Isolated orbital floor fractures in the paediatric patient: case series and review of management

Diagnostic pitfalls in pediatric orbital entrapment fractures

Prompt diagnosis and management of orbital entrapment fractures in the pediatric patient have been advocated. This retrospective study analyzed a cohort of orbital entrapment fractures in pediatric patients with regard to diagnostic pitfalls, treatment and outcomes in a Level I trauma center in Germany. Based on medical records and radiological imaging, patients under the age of 18 years who presented with orbital fractures during 2009-2021 were analyzed. Overall, 125 patients presented with orbital fractures, of whom 29 patients (23.2%) had orbital entrapment fractures. The majority of patients presented with monocle hematoma (n = 23), diplopia (n = 20), and/or restricted extraocular eye movement (n = 14). While all patients with orbital entrapment fractures underwent three-dimensional imaging, 10 radiological reports (34.5%) did not include findings on orbital entrapment fractures. All patients underwent surgical exploration in less than 24 h. In 12 patients, clinical symptoms such as diplopia and restricted ocular elevation were documented upon postoperative evaluation before discharge. Considering the significant proportion of orbital entrapment fractures that are not noted on radiological imaging, prompt clinical examination should be initiated in pediatric patients at risk for orbital fractures. Urgent surgical intervention should be recommended in entrapment fractures.

Risk factors for inpatient hospital admission following isolated orbital floor fractures

Orbital floor fractures are common injuries seen in the emergency department (ED). In this study, the National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB, 2016-2017) was used to identify patients presenting with isolated orbital floor trauma. Patient-specific factors were analyzed to determine associations with management. The sample comprised 912 patients; 285 (31.3%) of these patients were discharged from the ED, 541 (59.3%) were admitted to the hospital but did not undergo an operation, and 86 (9.4%) underwent operative treatment. Pediatric patients and older patients (<18 years and>55 years) were more likely to be admitted than those aged 18-55 years, and pediatric patients were more likely to undergo an urgent operative intervention than those in the other age groups (all P < 0.001). Patients with alcohol use disorder (P = 0.002) and hypertension (P = 0.004) had increased odds of admission. Private and Medicare insurance patients were more likely to be admitted, and self-pay patients less likely (P < 0.001). Older age and Medicaid payor status showed increased odds of a greater hospital length of stay. Biological sex, race/ethnicity, functionally dependent health status, myocardial infarction, steroid use, and substance use disorder were not associated with discharge disposition. There are non-injury related, patient-specific factors that may influence the management of orbital floor fractures.

Algorithm for pediatric orbital blowout fractures: a 20-year retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

Pediatric orbital blowout fractures can include pathologies that seem mild but require urgent release; serious sequelae can occur with standby surgery or conservative treatment. We sought to validate an algorithm for the treatment of pediatric orbital blowout fractures.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included 61 pediatric patients, aged 18 years or younger, treated for pure orbital blowout fractures according to the algorithm from April 1, 2000, to August 31, 2020, at the Japanese Red Cross Asahikawa Hospital.

RESULTS

There were 52 males (85%). Median age was 14 years (range, 5-18 years). There were 9 patients categorized as needing urgent release, 16 as needing repair, and 36 as needing conservative treatment. Mean follow-up ocular movement was 98.0 (95% Confidence Interval [95% CI], 96.8-99.2). Postoperative diplopia was not observed in 96% (79.6%-99.9%) of patients, better than in previous studies. A higher proportion of patients aged 0-12 years needed urgent repair than those aged 13-18 years (Odds Ratio [OR] = 14.2; 95% CI 1.6-683.4; p = 0.0046). There were no differences in Hess area ratio by age group.

CONCLUSION

Clinical results with the algorithm were satisfactory. The algorithm is suitable for treatment of pediatric orbital blowout fractures.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4

White-eyed blowout fracture, child in danger: A case report

A white-eyed blowout fracture is an orbital floor fracture associated with restriction of ocular motility (suggestive of orbital content entrapment) but with minimal or absence of signs of soft tissue trauma. It can lead to significant patient morbidity. This case involved an 8-year-old boy with a white-eyed blowout fracture following facial trauma. He presented with binocular diplopia and a history of recurrent episodes of vomiting after the trauma and was referred to our centre for a suspected head injury. Visual acuity in both eyes was 6/9. Examination showed minimal left periorbital haematoma with left eye motility restriction on superior and medial gaze associated with pain. CT scan of the orbit showed left orbital floor fracture with minimal soft tissue entrapment. He underwent urgent open exploration of the left orbit and release of orbital tissue entrapment. Post-operatively, the left eye motility restriction improved significantly with resolution of diplopia. In conclusion, a high index of suspicion is crucial in diagnosing paediatric white-eyed blowout fractures due to lack of external ocular signs.

Isolated paediatric orbital fractures: a case series and review of management at a major trauma centre in the UK

Purpose

Paediatric orbital fractures are rare. Existing literature demonstrates wide variation in estimates of incidence, aetiology, management protocols and outcomes. Despite this, it is generally acknowledged that orbital fractures with entrapment of the extraocular muscles constitute a surgical emergency due to the potential for persistent diplopia secondary to muscle ischaemia and necrosis.

Methods

This retrospective study was conducted to determine the characteristics and outcomes of management of orbital fractures amongst the paediatric population. It involved patients presenting to a major trauma unit in London between 2010 and 2020.

Results

Thirteen patients with isolated orbital fractures presented to our unit in this period. The average age was 13 years. Surprisingly the predominant aetiology was interpersonal violence. The most common fracture pattern involved the orbital floor and medial wall. One medial wall fracture case was missed in the emergency department.

Eight patients required surgical intervention due to diplopia caused by muscular entrapment of extraocular muscles; the final patient had a large defect resulting in enophthalmos requiring a large titanium plate. A transconjuctival approach was preferred for surgical access and resorbable sheet was used in the remaining cases. Five patients had nausea, vomiting or bradycardia associated with the oculocardiac reflex. Surgical intervention occurred within 24–48 h of injury in 6 cases. Resolution of diplopia occurred in 7 patients within 6 months.

Conclusion

Paediatric patients with orbital fractures should be assessed on the day of injury by a maxillofacial surgeon. Due to the risk of persistent diplopia, urgent surgical intervention in patients with entrapment of extraocular muscles should occur as soon as possible.

Does Early Treatment of Paediatric Orbital Fracture Offer Any Advantage in Terms of Post-Operative Clinical Outcomes

Background

Trapdoor fractures commonly occur in children below 6 years of age. The high resiliency of bone, pneumatisation of sinuses and other factors lead to entrapment of muscle and/or soft tissue which undergoes ischaemic changes leading to residual diplopia. The timing of intervention in children ranges from 24 h to greater than 2 weeks. Early surgical intervention is particularly indicated in cases of Oculocardiac reflex.

Methods

A Prisma guided systematic review of literature was conducted with no filters on language till September 2020. Studies on paediatric orbital fractures with data on timing of intervention and clinical outcomes were considered eligible for the review. The Oxford Level Of Evidence was used to assess the strength of individual studies.

Results

A total of 19 studies (18 English, 1 French) were selected; except for one study all were retrospective series. The timing of intervention ranged from 24 h to more than 1 month. Most of the studies agreed that orbital fractures in children should receive early intervention preferably within 2 weeks. In case of white-eyed blowout fracture, oculocardiac reflex and trapdoor fractures with muscle entrapment surgical intervention should be carried out within 24-48 h.

Discussion

Children presenting with facial injuries should be thoroughly examined for signs of muscle entrapment, diplopia, nausea, vomiting and bradycardia. If present these should receive early intervention. In cases with no signs of oculocardiac reflex and muscle entrapment a treatment within 2 weeks is recommended. If diplopia is mild or resolving with minimal hypoglobus and enophthalmos a wait and watch policy should be carried out.

The 'White-eyed' Orbital Blowout Fracture: An Easily Overlooked Injury in Maxillofacial Trauma

The ‘white-eyed’ blowout fracture (WEBOF) is an injury that is often overlooked in head trauma patients, as it often has few overt clinical and radiographic features. Although benign in appearance, it can lead to significant patient morbidity. Here, we intend to increase the awareness of WEBOF and provide general principles for its diagnosis. WEBOF should be recognized early to ensure timely management and a successful outcome.

Resorbable Material for Pediatric Orbital Floor Reconstruction

INTRODUCTION

The use of resorbable materials is becoming more popular for pediatric orbital floor reconstruction. The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the various materials used in pediatric orbital floor reconstruction.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed to identify all relevant articles reporting complications following pediatric orbital floor reconstruction. The search included published articles in three electronic databases-Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PubMed starting from database establishment to July 2017. Primary endpoints were enophthalmos, diplopia, and infection. Resorbable material was compared to autologous grafts and nonresorbable material.

RESULTS

A total of 14 studies containing 248 patients were included in this review. Fifty-four (21.8%) patients had reconstruction performed with autologous grafts, 72 (29.0%) patients with resorbable material, and 122 (49.2%) patients with nonresorbable material. Resorbable materials had the lowest rate of postoperative enophthalmos (3/52; 5.8%) and the highest rate of postoperative diplopia (19/72; 26.4%). In contrast, nonresorbable materials had the lowest rate of postoperative diplopia (5/122; 4.1%), the highest rate of postoperative enophthalmos (14/102; 13.7%). Autologous reconstruction was associated with an 11.1% (4/36) rate of postoperative enophthalmos and a 22.2% (12/54) rate of postoperative diplopia. Nine cases (8.8%) of postoperative infection were documented with nonresorbable materials. No cases of infection were reported with autologous grafts or resorbable materials.

CONCLUSION

Newer resorbable implants are safe and have a similar complication profile as traditional autologous grafts in pediatric orbital floor reconstruction.

Craniofacial disorders

The complexity of the craniofacial patient mandates the cooperation of a multidisciplinary team that can systematically evaluate each individual and ensure that a protocol-driven pathway is undertaken for the best patient care. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons contribute to surgical care in this setting with specific knowledge of growth and development of the face. This enables optimum timing for early skeletal correction where appropriate, and definitive surgery following the cessation of growth to maximize function and aesthetics. This chapter will describe the major principles in managing patients with specific craniofacial anomalies and provide examples of the outcomes possible.