Ocular injuries in orbital fractures. A review of 119 cases

Incidence of ophthalmologic pathology and associated risk factors in orbital fractures at a level I trauma centre

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the incidence of ophthalmologic pathology at presentation of patients with orbital fracture to a level I trauma centre and the most significant associated risk factors.

METHODS

A total of 244 patients with 278 fractured orbits over a 2-year period at a level I trauma centre were reviewed. The primary outcome was the incidence of urgent ophthalmologic pathology, defined as requiring attention without delay. Patient demographics, history, findings on radiographic imaging, and physical examination findings at initial and follow-up examinations were recorded. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated.

RESULTS

On initial examination and follow-up, 9.7% of orbits had ophthalmologic pathology. Only 3 patients (1.1%) had urgent pathology, including orbital compartment syndrome and globe rupture, whereas 22 patients (7.9%) had semiurgent pathology and 4 patients (1.4%) had nonurgent pathology. Subjective decreased vision (odds ratio [OR] = 3.5; p = 0.021), assault-related injuries (OR = 2.4; p = 0.036), work-related injuries (OR = 7.7; p = 0.004), afferent pupillary defect (OR = 19.2; p = 0.017), anisocoria (OR = 7.8; p = 0.001), and symmetrical extraocular movement limitation (OR = 5.2; p = 0.003) and fixed pupil (OR = 16.9; p < 0.001) had statistically significant odds ratios associated with pathology. Patient sex, eye involved, intoxication, anticoagulation, and antiplatelets, as well as previous ocular surgery, were not associated with pathology.

CONCLUSIONS

Most orbital fractures do not present with ophthalmologic pathology. Subjective vision loss, history of assault or work trauma, and pupil abnormalities on examination were the greatest risk factors for pathology. Our results highlight the most important factors on patient presentation that should prompt first responders to seek urgent ophthalmologic consultation.

Open Globe Injuries with Concurrent Orbital Fractures - Clinical Settings and Factors Predicting Outcomes

AIM

We describe the clinical settings and the factors predicting outcomes in open globe injuries with concurrent orbital fractures.

METHODS

Retrospective, consecutive, non-comparative study. All eyes from January 2014 to January 2021 with concurrent open globe injuries with orbital fractures that underwent management were included. The clinical data of each patient who underwent a comprehensive ophthalmic examination was entered into a browser-based electronic medical records system (eyeSmart EMR) by uniformly trained ophthalmic personnel and supervised by an ophthalmologist using a standardized template. Favorable functional outcome was defined as the final best corrected visual acuity of >20/200 as per the World Health Organization (WHO) definitions of severe visual impairment and blindness. A favorable anatomic outcome was defined as preservation of the globe, absence of hypotony, attached retina, and absence of active inflammation at the last visit. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was done to assess the effect of various demographic and clinical factors and the type of orbital fracture on the final anatomic and functional outcome.

RESULTS

Ninety-one eyes of 91 patients were included in the study. Females accounted for 74/91 (81.3%) of the eyes. Modes of trauma was rupture in 67%, perforating in 5.5% and penetrating in 27.5% of the cases. Orbital rim involvement was seen in 79.1%. The most common isolated fracture seen was a medial wall (19.78%), which was followed by the orbital floor (15.38%). Favorable functional outcome was seen in 10 eyes (11%), while a favorable anatomic outcome was achieved in 45 (49.5%). Odds of a favorable functional outcome were 6.12 (95% CI 1.22 to 30.71), p = .02 for an open globe injury with orbital fracture in the absence of a concurrent retinal detachment. Odds of a favorable anatomic outcome were 55.55 (95% CI 2.43 to 1250), p = .01 when the injury did not involve zone 3, 9.94 (95% CI 2.05 to 48), p = .004 when concurrent retinal detachment was absent, 16.3 (95% CI 1.42 to 187.19), p = .02 when the orbital rim was intact and 7.83 (95% CI 1.09 to 56.19), p = .04 when only one orbital wall was involved.

CONCLUSIONS

Open globe injuries with concurrent orbital fractures result in a very poor functional outcome. Concurrent retinal detachment is a negative predictive factor. Associated fractures involving the orbital rim increase the risk of eyeball loss.

Approach to Orbital Fractures After Athletic Injuries

The bony orbit is commonly involved in athletic injuries. Evaluation should include a comprehensive history and ocular examination. Computed tomography imaging is the gold standard for diagnostic testing. Urgent surgical intervention for orbital floor fractures should occur after "white eye" trapdoor fractures or if oculocardiac response occurs. Most orbital fractures do not require urgent intervention and repair can be completed within 2 weeks of injury. There are many approaches to repair orbital fractures, and consideration of techniques depends on the unique fracture pattern. Intraoperative computed tomography has become frequently used and can lead to increased identification of plate malpositioning intraoperatively.

Poor prognoses of open globe injuries with concomitant orbital fractures

PURPOSE

Orbital trauma, particularly with open globe injury, can have a wide range of visual outcomes, which can be difficult to predict at presentation. Clinical features on presentation may provide insight into visual prognosis. We hypothesized that patients with open globe injuries and concomitant orbital fractures have poorer visual outcomes than patients without orbital fractures.

METHODS

We reviewed the charts of 77 patients with isolated open globe injuries (OG) and 76 patients with open globe injuries and concomitant orbital fractures (OGOF). Multivariate regression analysis was performed to assess the relative influence of individual presenting historical and clinical features on visual outcome.

RESULTS

OGOF patients were more likely to have sustained blunt trauma than a sharp, penetrating injury compared to OG patients. Ocular wound locations were more posterior and likely to involve multiple zones in OGOF compared to OG patients. Among OGOF patients, orbital floor fractures were the most common and roof fractures were the least common, but the latter was associated with presenting NLP vision and multiple zone involvement. The presence of an orbital fracture independently increased the odds of subsequent evisceration/enucleation (OR: 4.6, 95% CI 1.3-20.1, p = .0246) and NLP vision (OR: 6.81, 95% CI 2.42-21.85, p = .0005) when controlling for zone, mechanism of injury, uveal prolapse and demographic variables.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of an orbital fracture independently confers a worse visual and ocular prognosis in patients with open globe injuries. Patients with open globe injuries in this category should be appropriately counseled.

Is specialized ophthalmologic evaluation necessary after orbital fractures? A prospective 64-case study

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to determine whether there is a need for ophthalmologists to perform a specialized assessment after the occurrence of orbital fractures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty-three patients (64 orbits) diagnosed with orbital fractures were evaluated preoperatively (up to 24 h after the trauma) and in 90-day postoperative period.

RESULTS

Eight injuries required either specialized clinical or surgical ophthalmologic intervention. Of these patients, four required emergency eye surgery: two patients with corneal lacerations had lesions larger than 2 mm. Two patients had extensive ocular lesions after multiple traumas with uveal exposure and without light perception. Another four patients (iridodialysis associated with lens subluxation, anterior uveitis, direct lesion on the optic nerve, and chorioretinitis sclopetaria) received conservative management.

CONCLUSION

This study concluded that a specialized ophthalmologic examination as soon as possible is important, particularly in cases in which the signs and symptoms of severity are associated. The non-ophthalmologist surgeon must have the basic medical knowledge required to provide basic primary ophthalmologic care and to discern the severity of the injury.

Correlation of Clinical Findings With Computed Tomography in Orbital Traumas

BACKGROUND

Although the eye is a well-protected organ, it is frequently affected by trauma. The timely detection of ocular injuries is extremely important. In this study, the authors evaluated the consistency between findings in computed tomography (CT) examination for orbital fractures and globe integrity and clinical findings in patients presenting to the emergency department due to orbital trauma.

METHODS

The authors retrospectively reviewed the files of patients presenting with orbital trauma between January 2015 and January 2018 from emergency department records. Ophthalmology consultation and follow-up notes, radiology reports, and the emergency physician's notes were reviewed.

RESULTS

During the study period, 286 patients presented to the emergency department with orbital trauma. A total of 119 eyes of 83 patients who underwent orbital CT were included in the study. Orbital bone fracture was detected in 54.6% (n = 65) of the eyes. Of these, 73.8% (n = 48) involved multiple fractures. Among all eyes, the distribution of fractures in the orbital walls was lateral wall in 41.2% (n = 49), floor in 32.8% (n = 39), medial wall in 31.1% (n = 37), and roof in 10.9% (n = 13). Multiple wall fractures were detected in 36.9% (n = 44) of the eyes. At least 1 clinical finding such as diplopia, laceration, abnormal pupillary response, hypoesthesia, and exophthalmos was observed in 47.1% (n = 56) of the eyes. This rate was 56.8% among eyes with orbital fractures and 35.2% in those without fracture. There was a statistically significant relationship between floor fractures and diplopia (P = 0.002). No significant correlations were found between the other radiological and clinical findings.

CONCLUSION

Our study revealed a relationship between the presence of orbital fracture and eye damage. In particular, the authors found that the frequency of diplopia was significantly higher in eyes with maxillary bone fracture in the orbital floor. However, orbital CT findings other than bone fracture were not consistent with clinical findings.

The Incidence of Ocular Injuries in Isolated Orbital Fractures

BACKGROUND

Prompt identification of significant ocular injuries in patients who sustain an orbital fracture is important to prevent any potential long-term visual sequelae. The true incidence of these injuries has not been determined, however. As a consequence, most surgeons choose to have all patients evaluated by an ophthalmologist. The objective of this study was to conclusively identify the incidence of significant ocular injuries in patients with isolated orbital fractures and to determine their predictors to guide more efficient patient care.

METHODS

A prospective cohort study powered to detect a 15% incidence of ocular injuries was designed. All patients presenting to our center with computed tomography findings of an isolated orbital fracture were included and evaluated by plastic surgery and ophthalmology services. Patients were followed up for a minimum of 1 week to identify any delayed injuries.

RESULTS

Eighty patients were enrolled from 2012 to 2014. There were 46 men and 34 women with a mean age of 42.8 years. Assault was the most common mechanism of injury. There were 8 ocular injuries (10%): ruptured globe (1), uveal prolapse (1), retrobulbar hemorrhage (2), hyphema (2), hemorrhagic glaucoma with hyphema (1), and scleral tear (1). Predictors for significant ocular injuries were grossly abnormal visual acuity and abnormal pupillary reactivity of the affected eye.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of significant ocular injuries in isolated orbital fractures is lower than previously reported. Patients presenting with grossly abnormal visual acuity or abnormal pupillary reactivity are at high risk and should receive prompt ophthalmology service evaluation.

Electrically evoked electroretinograms and pupil responses in Argus II retinal implant wearers

PURPOSE

We have recorded the electrically evoked electroretinogram (eERG) and flash ERG in Argus II retinal prosthesis wearers with end-stage retinitis pigmentosa to estimate response properties of the degenerated inner retina to local electrical stimulation. In addition, we have recorded pupil diameters during electrical stimulation.

METHODS

Raw corneal eERGs were recorded at multiple stimulus levels in three subjects. eERG signals were heavily contaminated with various artifacts, including switching artifacts generated by the implant electronics, stimulus, blink, and eye-movement artifacts. Pupil responses were recorded in one subject using a pupil tracker.

RESULTS

eERGs were decontaminated by a variety of techniques, including wavelet transformation and response averaging. The dominant component was a negative wave peaking at approximately 200 ms. eERG amplitudes correlated significantly with stimulus level, but peak latencies did not correlate with stimulus level. Pupil constriction correlated significantly with stimulus level and pupil responses could be accurately used to estimate subjective threshold.

CONCLUSION

eERG recordings hold the potential to be developed further for use as a diagnostic tool for retinal implants. A straightforward approach to increase eERG amplitudes would be the development of intraocular recording methods based on reverse telemetry. The robust pupil response to electrical stimulation in one subject indicates that pupillography can be exploited to assess implant functionality, but reliable pupil recordings could not be obtained in all subjects.

A clinical analysis of bilateral orbital fracture

Although bilateral orbital fracture can cause serious eyeball and facial skeletal problems, few reports have been issued on the topic. We analyzed the clinical features of bilateral orbital fracture by reviewing the medical records of 147 patients and compared bilateral and unilateral fractures by reviewing the literature.Bilateral orbital fracture was most common in men aged between 50 and 59 years. A traffic accident was the leading cause of trauma, and average time between trauma and surgery was 12.2 days. Bilateral medial fracture accompanied by nasal fracture accounted for the overwhelming majority, and impure blowout fracture in at least 1 eye occurred in 69.4% of the 147 patients. Associated ocular injuries seemed to be similar for bilateral and unilateral fracture. Thirty-five patients (23.8%) had other multiple traumas affecting other than the eyes, and this significantly increased the need for surgery (P < 0.05). Of the 48 patients who underwent surgery, including 4 cases of bilateral surgery, 21 patients who had ocular motility restriction with central diplopia within 30 degrees almost completely recovered. No significant relation between the timing of surgery and improvement was found. Although unilateral surgery was performed in most cases, facial asymmetry related to enophthalmos was unclear at 6 months postoperatively.In summary, bilateral orbital fracture was found to be clinically distinguishable from unilateral fracture in several aspects. We hope these findings provide a reference guide to the approach and management of bilateral orbital fracture.

Evaluation of intra ocular pressure in zygomatico maxillary complex fractures

PURPOSE

To study effects of zygomatico maxillary fractures and fracture reduction on intra ocular pressure (IOP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

IOPs of 20 patients with unilateral zygomatico-maxillary complex (ZMC) fractures (divided into 2 groups of 10 undisplaced, 10 displaced) were measured at various time intervals. The relationship between IOPs between the two groups at various time intervals was recorded and evaluated using independent T-tests.

RESULTS

20 subjects were divided into two equal groups (10 each of displaced and undisplaced fractures). Mean age of patients was 33.8 years with 90 % males and 10 % females. The change in IOP at the time of reporting, after 24 h and 7 days for patients with undisplaced ZMC fractures (Group I) was recorded and was found to be significant. The change in IOP at the time of reporting, before and after surgery, after 24 h and 7 days for patients with displaced ZMC fractures (Group II) was recorded and was also found to be significant. The IOPs of the two groups was compared at various time intervals and was found to be significant. Also, a significant increase in IOP was noted just after fracture reduction, which could be attributed to oculocardiac reflex, which has been proven to cause bradycardia, and in some cases, even death.

CONCLUSION

A cautious eye needs to be kept over IOP while reducing ZMC fractures at regular intervals and the anaesthetist has to be informed to look for any bradycardia that can occur. Tonometers should be a part of standard armamentarium while reducing and fixing ZMC fractures.

Ocular Injuries Associated with Midface Fractures: A 5 Year Survey

AIM

The aim of this study is retrospective analysis of ocular injuries after maxillofacial trauma reporting to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at V.S. Dental College and Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Bangalore.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective analysis of ocular injuries following facial trauma from 2008 to 2013.

RESULTS

Road traffic incident was the most common etiology (55.46 %). Zygomaticomaxillary complex fracture was the most common fracture associated with ocular injuries (67.22 %). Out of 119 patients, 5 had severe visual impairment and (0.84 %) had blindness.

CONCLUSION

Maxillofacial trauma particularly that associated with Lefort II, Lefort III and Zygomatico maxillary complex fracture may lead to opthalmic injuries and even blindness. A thorough opthalmic examination should be carried out for every patient with maxillofacial trauma and suspected cases should be placed under closed observation so that immediate and active treatment can be taken if necessary.

Factors associated with significant ocular injury in conservatively treated orbital fractures

Purpose. To determine factors associated with the presence of significant ocular injury in subjects with orbital fractures. Subjects. A consecutive prospective cohort of 161 patients presenting to a general tertiary referral hospital with orbital fractures and undergoing initial conservative treatment was identified. Subjects were assessed at time of injury for the need for emergency surgery, and those initially treated conservatively were subsequently followed up by the Ophthalmology Department to assess for ocular injury requiring ophthalmic management at 1-7 days after injury. Associations between ocular injury and age, sex, visual acuity, presence of blowout fracture, extent of orbital involvement, and presence of distant facial fractures were assessed. Results. 142 male (average age of 32 [95% CI 30-35]) and 19 female (average age of 49 [95% CI 39-59]) subjects were identified. 17 subjects were diagnosed with significant ocular injury. Ocular injury was significantly associated with LogMAR VA worse than 0.2 (OR 49 [95% CI 11-217, P < 0.0001]), but no relationship was noted for age, sex, presence of blowout fracture, extent of fractures, or presence of distal facial fractures. LogMAR visual acuity worse than or equal to 0.2 had a 98% negative predictive value for ocular injury in the setting of orbital fractures. Conclusions. Demographic and nonophthalmic fracture characteristics were not useful predictors of ocular injury in orbital fractures. LogMAR visual acuity worse than or equal to 0.2 is a highly sensitive and useful guide of the need for ophthalmic referral in subjects with orbital fractures.

Transient oblong anisocoria and orbital surgery

We present a rare case of transient oblong (segmental) anisocoria occurring at the time of limited orbital surgery. Observation of this previously undescribed phenomenon prompted us to review the relevant anatomy and physiology of the iris and the pharmacokinetics of lidocaine as it pertains to surgery in the region of the eyelids and the orbit.

The importance of accurate, early bony reconstruction in orbital injuries with globe loss

Patients who sustain facial fractures frequently suffer from visual disturbance. Additionally, orbital fractures often involve ocular injury, which, not infrequently, may require enucleation. Yet an anophthalmic orbit does not obviate the need for aggressive orbital fracture treatment. In fact, treatment of the sequelae of the anophthalmic orbit can be difficult and require multiple surgeries. Intraoperative use of a conformer after accurate bony reduction and orbital reconstruction with bone grafts or orbital implants are essential steps to allow for prosthetic rehabilitation of the anophthalmic orbit.

Mydriasis during Orbital Floor Fracture Reconstruction: A Novel Diagnostic and Treatment Algorithm

Orbital floor fractures are the most commonly encountered traumatic fractures in the facial skeleton. Mydriasis that is detected during orbital floor fracture reconstruction may cause significant distress to surgeons, as it may be associated with sinister events such as visual loss. It is not an uncommon problem; previous studies have shown the incidence of mydriasis to be 2.1%. The combination of careful preoperative evaluation and planning, as well as specific intraoperative investigations when mydriasis is encountered, can be immensely valuable in allaying surgeons' anxiety during orbital floor fracture reconstruction. In this review article, the authors discuss the common causes of mydriasis and present a novel systematic approach to its diagnostic evaluation devised by our unit that has been successfully implemented since 2008.

Traumatic evulsion of the globe: a very rare complication of maxillofacial trauma

Maxillofacial trauma may cause eye injury besides fractures of the facial skeleton. However, evulsion of the globe is a rare event, and there are only a few reports of true total enucleation of the globes in the literature. We report a 23-year-old man who was a victim of motorcycle accident, with enucleation of the globe, evulsion of the septal cartilage, and midfacial fractures. We reviewed and discussed the literature of traumatic evulsion of the globes in maxillofacial traumas.

Association Between Ocular Injuries and Internal Orbital Fractures

PURPOSE

The physical mechanism of orbital blowout fractures has been debated for years by surgeons. Three main theories have been promulgated, including the hydraulic theory, the contact of globe-to-orbital wall theory, and the bone buckling theory. One might anticipate a strong association of blowout fractures and traumatically induced ocular injuries with the hydraulic and globe-to-wall theories because in both, the force is delivered directly to the ocular globe. This study was performed to assess the association between orbital blowout fractures and ocular injuries.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Records of patients with orbital blowout fractures were collected from a single hospital. Those with complete records that included a thorough ophthalmologic examination were collected, and information about the nature of the injury to the bone and the ocular globe was tabulated.

RESULTS

A total of 225 patients ranging in age from 13 to 98 years (mean, 34.9 yr) who had sustained 240 blowout fractures (15 were bilateral) met the inclusion criteria. In all, 53 fractures (22%) involved ocular injuries that were thought to be directly associated with ocular trauma. The most common positive ocular finding was commotio retinae, which was present in 21 of 60 globes with significant traumatic ocular findings. This was followed in frequency by traumatic mydriasis (19 globes) and traumatic iritis (15 globes). Most ocular injuries were minor.

CONCLUSIONS

The low incidence of significant ocular injury may indicate that direct contact of the globe with the traumatic force is not common. This finding gives credence to the buckling theory of blowout fracture, which seems more likely in most cases.

Blindness after facial fractures: A 19-year retrospective study

PURPOSE

We conducted a 19-year review of patients with facial fractures who were treated in the Iranian Maxillofacial Unit at the Mobasher Emergency Hospital, Hamedan Province, Iran, to specifically consider those fractures that resulted in blindness or severe visual impairment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

During the period of February 16, 1984, to March 20, 2003, a total of 2,503 patients with facial fractures were operatively treated. Of these, 550 (22%) patients had orbital region fractures and were specifically studied.

RESULTS

From our facial fractures database, 83 (3.31%) patients were identified as having ocular or extraocular injuries. Of these, 39 patients (1.56%) had severe visual impairment or blindness.

CONCLUSIONS

Laterally directed forces are implied as major causative factors in blindness or visual impairment. Males (83.3%), left eye (63.3%), third and fourth age decades (53.3%), and motor vehicle accidents (63.3%) were the most commonly involved gender, site, age, and cause of monocular blindness, respectively.

Ocular and periocular injuries from orbital fractures

BACKGROUND

Orbital fractures are associated with ocular and periocular injuries. The role of the ophthalmologist in the evaluation and management of facial trauma, including orbital fractures, has not been clearly defined. The purpose of this study is to identify and characterize ocular and periocular injuries associated with orbital fractures to define the role of the ophthalmologist in the management of facial trauma.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective case review.

RESULTS

Three hundred sixty-five patients with orbital fractures who were evaluated by an ophthalmologist as part of their initial trauma evaluation were studied. The majority of the patients with orbital fractures (74%) did not have associated ocular or periocular injuries. Twenty-three of 104 (22%) ocular injuries in 23 of 95 (24%) patients required immediate intervention by an ophthalmologist.

CONCLUSIONS

Facial trauma and orbital fractures are associated with significant ocular and periocular injuries, the minority of which require immediate evaluation and treatment by an ophthalmologist. These results differ from those previously reported.

Blindness and severe visual impairment in facial fractures: an 11 year review

We present an 11 year review of facial fractures treated in the Australian Craniofacial Unit and the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, specifically looking at those fractures in adults that resulted in blindness or severe visual impairment. During the period 1989-2000, a total of 2516 patients with facial fractures were treated operatively. From our facial-fracture database, 317 patients were identified as having an ophthalmological complication on presentation. Of these, 19 had severe visual impairment or blindness. The exact fracture pattern and craniofacial disruption score were recorded for each of these 19 cases using the Cooter-David facial-fracture scoring system. Laterally directed forces are implied as major causative factors in these injuries. Recommendations are made based on these findings.

A current 10-year retrospective survey of 199 surgically treated orbital floor fractures in a nonurban tertiary care center

This study characterizes the surgically treated patient population suffering from orbital floor fractures by use of current data from a large series consisting of 199 cases taken from a nonurban setting. Data were gathered through a retrospective chart review of patients surgically treated for orbital floor fractures at the University of Michigan Health System, collected over a 10-year period. Data regarding patient demographics, signs and symptoms of presentation, cause of injury, nature of injury, associated facial fractures, ocular injury, and associated nonfacial skeleton trauma were collected. In total, there were 199 cases of orbital floor fractures among 189 patients. Male patients outnumbered female patients by a 2:1 ratio and were found to engage in a wider range of behaviors that resulted in orbital floor fractures. Motor vehicle accidents were the leading cause of orbital floor fractures, followed by physical assault and sports-related mechanisms. The ratio of impure to pure orbital floor fracture was 3:1. The most common signs and symptoms associated with orbital floor fractures, in descending order, were periorbital ecchymosis, diplopia, subconjunctival hemorrhage, and enophthalmos. Associated facial fractures were found in 77.2 percent of patients, the most prevalent of which was the zygoma-malar fracture. Serious ocular injury occurred in 19.6 percent of patients, with globe rupture being the most prevalent, accounting for 40.5 percent of those injuries. There was a 38.1 percent occurrence of associated nonfacial skeletal trauma; skull fracture and intracranial injury were the most prevalent manifestations. Associated cervical-spine fractures were rare (0.5 percent). Statistical examination, using odds ratios and chi-squared analysis, demonstrated significant associations that have not previously been reported. Impure and pure orbital floor fractures revealed striking differences in several demographic aspects, including mechanism of injury, signs and symptoms of presentation, spectrum of associated trauma, and the severity of concomitant trauma.

Assessment of ocular trauma associated with head and neck injuries

We reviewed the real and potential ocular problems in all head and neck injuries at a tertiary care and regional trauma center from April of 1994 to March of 1995. Through a retrospective study, 127 charts were reviewed, specifically looking at the mechanism of injury, types of injury, whether there was any ocular trauma noted in the chart, and whether there was a consultation to the ophthalmology department. Forty-one of these patients were seen by an ophthalmologist as the initial consultant for ocular and orbital injuries recognized by the emergency staff. In the 86 remaining patients, signs of potential ocular injury were recorded in the chart in 62 (72%) of these patients, yet an ophthalmology consultation was requested for only 23 of them (37%). This survey reveals the lack of awareness in a regional trauma center of certain ocular and periocular signs that may be indicative of more serious ocular injuries. It is the purpose of this article to highlight these concerns to the various health professionals involved with head and neck trauma patients in the hope that the patients will, in the end, benefit from a more thorough and complete assessment of the potential ocular and periocular injuries.

Blindness after facial trauma

Blindness after facial fractures has been reported to occur with an incidence that ranges between 0.67% and 3% depending on the reporting institution. To verify this finding we undertook a retrospective chart review of 5936 patients with facial fractures that occurred over a 12 1/2-year period. We found that vision in 19 eyes were lost in 18 patients. Vision loss was more frequently encountered in Le Fort III level fractures (2.2%) followed distantly by Le Fort II level fractures (0.64%), and zygomatic fractures (0.45%). The cause of blindness was most frequently associated with motor vehicle accidents and gunshot injuries. Injuries of this type require immediate and prompt consultation by the ophthalmologic surgery service.

Associated injuries in facial fractures: review of 839 patients

Patients with facial trauma may have associated injuries requiring immediate or specialised attention. This paper reports the incidence and nature of significant associated neurosurgical, ocular, spinal, torso and extremity injuries in facial fracture patients treated by the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery from June 1989 to June 1992. Of 839 patients treated during the period, 95 patients (11.3%) sustained significant concomitant injuries outside the facial skeleton. There were 45 (5.4%) patients with associated neurosurgical injuries, 33 (3.9%) with ocular injuries, 8 (0.9%) with spinal injuries, 16 (1.9%) with injuries of the torso, and 62 (7.4%) with injuries of the extremities. The spectrum of the injuries is presented. Most neurosurgical injuries are a result of focal impact and the intervention required is related mainly to local fracture management and the repair of dural tears. The risk of significant ocular injury is highest when the fracture involves the orbit. Injuries of the spine, torso (chest, abdomen, pelvis), and limbs were seen mainly in road trauma patients.

Radiology of maxillofacial trauma

There has been a rising incidence of maxillofacial injuries during the past decade as a result of an increasing number of assaults and motor vehicle accidents. The maxillofacial region is one of the most complex areas of the human body, and the radiographic imaging of this region becomes even more difficult in traumatized patients because of their clinical condition and their inability to cooperate. Imaging modalities used in the evaluation of the traumatized maxillofacial region include conventional (plain) films, tomography, panoramic radiography, computed tomography, three-dimensional computed tomography, DentaScan, and magnetic resonance imaging. Each modality is discussed with regard to technique, advantages, and disadvantages. Plain films and computed tomography, the modalities that are used most in evaluating maxillofacial structures, are discussed in more detail. The normal anatomy and radiologic features are presented for both of these modalities. Radiographic evaluation of maxillofacial injury begins with a knowledge of the direct and indirect radiographic signs of injury seen on most imaging modalities. Computed tomography also has allowed a method of classifying facial fractures that is based on the involvement of the facial buttresses or struts. Three horizontal, two coronal, and five sagittal oriented struts are described. Limited fractures are differentiated from transfacial fractures by the lack of involvement of the pterygoid plates in the limited fractures. Limited fractures also can be subclassified as solitary (fracture of a single strut) or complex (fractures of multiple struts). A portion of the orbit is involved in almost every form of facial fracture; therefore, evaluation of facial injuries should always include the orbital structures. Although both can occur simultaneously, orbital injuries can be divided into soft tissue and bony vault injuries. Similar to midface fractures, orbital fractures also can be classified as solitary (fracture involves a single wall) or complex (fracture involves more than one wall or a part of a midface fracture). Computed tomography is of great value in evaluating both forms of injury. Magnetic resonance imaging is becoming increasingly important in the evaluation of orbital soft tissue injuries. Classification of midface injuries includes the solitary strut fractures and the complex strut fractures. Solitary strut fractures include fractures of the nasal arch, zygomatic arch, and isolated sinus wall fractures. Complex strut fractures include the nasal complex fractures, zygomatic (tripod) and zygomaticomaxillary fractures, transfacial fractures (LeFort fractures), and facial smash fractures. Each fracture type and its radiographic appearance are discussed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Orbital Impalement by a Gearshift Knob: Case Report

Penetrating trauma to the orbit may cause complex injuries involving the bone, globe, and brain. Successful treatment requires a strategic scheme for preoperative assessment and management and a multidisciplinary surgical approach. These principles are demonstrated by report of a motor vehicle accident in which the driver sustained orbital impalement by a gearshift knob.

A Bizarre Risk of Barefoot Waterskiing

In brief A boat driver who was pulling a barefoot waterskier suffered a blinding injury when the towrope snapped forward and hit him after the skier lost his grip. The impact produced a ruptured right globe with multiple inferior and medial orbital rim fractures.

Ophthalmic consequences of mid-facial trauma

Fractures of the mid-face are commonly accompanied by injury to the visual system. Three hundred and sixty three patients who had sustained mid-facial fractures were assessed prospectively for evidence of such injury. The data have been used to devise a scoring system for the maxillofacial surgeon in order to help identify those patients at risk of eye injury. The scoring system has been evaluated on a further cohort of 100 patients with a similar spectrum of injury and the sensitivity and specificity of the system have been determined. The results of these studies have been reported in the maxillofacial literature. This paper reviews the data and results obtained. In summary, impaired visual acuity with a comminuted or out blow fracture, a motility abnormality, or facial fracture combined with head injury, sufficient to cause both retrograde and post-traumatic amnesia, emerged as major risk factors which are indicative of an adverse ophthalmic outcome deemed to warrant referral. The scoring system which was developed from this data was found to have a sensitivity of 94.4% and a specificity of 89% for the detection of patients thought to merit ophthalmic assessment. Failure to assess central visual function as objectively as practicable in patients who have sustained mid-facial fractures may lead to potentially treatable ophthalmic pathology not being identified.

The characteristics of midfacial fractures and the association with ocular injury: a prospective study

Ocular injuries commonly occur in patients with facial fractures. This prospective study was set up to determine the incidence of ocular injuries, as assessed by an ophthalmologist, in patients who had sustained midfacial fractures. Over a 2-year period, a study of 363 patients who had sustained midfacial trauma sufficient to lead to a facial bone fracture (438 fractures) was undertaken and patients received a comprehensive examination by an ophthalmologist and an orthoptist within 1 week of injury. The characteristics of the eye injuries sustained were related to the aetiology of the fracture, the type of fracture, and the sex and age of each patient. Ninety percent of patients sustained ocular injuries of various severities. Sixty three percent of patients sustained only minor or transient ocular injuries, 16% suffered moderately severe ocular injury and 12% experienced severe eye injuries. Road traffic accident was associated with the highest incidence of severe ocular disorder (9/45 = 20%) whilst assaults had the second highest incidence at 11% (20/181). One third of all patients with comminuted malar fracture suffered a severe ocular disorder (9/27) whilst blow-out fracture came second at 16.7% (6/36). Fifty six patients (15.4%) had a decrease in their visual acuity and 9 patients (2.5%) had significant traumatic optic neuropathy. Decrease in visual acuity was the main clinical finding accompanying the majority of significant eye injuries. When ocular injuries were related to aetiology, it was apparent that road traffic accidents and assaults associated with alcohol abuse showed the highest incidence of major ocular dysfunction. It is suggested that all patients sustaining midfacial fracture associated with a significant decrease in visual acuity either pre- or postoperatively should have an early ophthalmological review.

Optic nerve blindness following a malar fracture

Optic nerve blindness following a malar fracture is an uncommon and usually permanent complication. When the loss of vision is immediate and total, the prognosis is poor. The case of a patient who suffered immediate and complete loss of vision after a malar fracture is presented. Computed tomography revealed compression of the optic nerve by bony fragments. No improvement was observed after megadose steroids and surgical treatment. The incidence, pathogenesis, diagnostic approach and therapeutic possibilities are discussed and the importance of establishing precisely the moment of the loss of vision is stressed.

Ocular injuries associated with fractures involving the orbit

Ocular injuries often accompany periorbital fractures. The incidence reported by various authors varies greatly. The charts of 509 patients operated on because of a fracture involving the orbit were reviewed and the intra- and extraocular injuries were recorded. Subconjunctival haematoma, corneal abrasions and mild retinal oedema were not considered. It appeared that 26% of the injured suffered concomitant lesions of the eye and/or its adnexae. The incidence is discussed and certain hints are given, which can help non-ophthalmologists assess the severity of the trauma in cases where obvious signs are absent.

Fractures of the sphenoid bone

Fractures of the sphenoid bone occur following injury to the orbit and base of the skull. Such fractures are important since they can cause loss of vision and damage to various neural and muscular tissues. Ocular injury is also commonly associated. This paper reviews the hospital records of 112 consecutive patients with fractures of the base of the skull for the cause, frequency of signs and symptoms, and treatment of the sphenoid bone injury. Various deformities and dysfunctions are correlated with imaging data and classified to describe specific clinical syndromes. Several cases of sphenoid bone fracture serve as examples of diagnostic and treatment techniques.