Surgical repair of medial wall fractures

Scarring Caused by the Percutaneous Approach to Fractures of the Orbit and Orbital Rim

ABSTRACT

Percutaneous and transconjunctival approaches are commonly used for fractures of the orbit and orbital rim. However, it leaves visible scarring on the face. Although previous studies reported scarring from the percutaneous approach, few reported the degree of such scarring. The authors examined the degree of scarring associated with percutaneous approaches to fractures of the orbit and orbital rim in the Japanese population. The authors reviewed photographs of patients who were treated surgically for fractures of the orbital floor, medial orbital wall, or zygomatic bone via percutaneous approaches to examine the presence of scarring and deformation. In 36% of all patients, the observers were unable to determine the side on which the surgery was performed. Furthermore, the site of scarring was identified accurately in only 20.6% of the cases in which observers were able to identify the surgical side. The authors' study demonstrated that the subciliary approach left minimal scarring under the eyelashes. On the other hand, the medial canthal approach left depressed and wide scarring, whereas pigmentation was apparent in patients who underwent surgery via the lateral eyebrow approach. Similarly, pigmentation under the eyelashes and at the site of secondary incision was common after the subciliary approach.

Multidetector CT of Midfacial Fractures: Classification Systems, Principles of Reduction, and Common Complications

The advent of titanium hardware, which provides firm three-dimensional positional control, and the exquisite bone detail afforded by multidetector computed tomography (CT) have spurred the evolution of subunit-specific midfacial fracture management principles. The structural, diagnostic, and therapeutic complexity of the individual midfacial subunits, including the nose, the naso-orbito-ethmoidal region, the internal orbits, the zygomaticomaxillary complex, and the maxillary occlusion-bearing segment, are not adequately reflected in the Le Fort classification system, which provides only a general framework and has become less relevant in contemporary practice. The purpose of this article is to facilitate the involvement of radiologists in the delivery of individualized multidisciplinary care to adults who have sustained blunt trauma and have midfacial fractures by providing a clinically relevant review of the role of multidetector CT in the management of each midfacial subunit. Surgically relevant anatomic structures, search patterns, critical CT findings and their management implications, contemporary classification systems, and common posttraumatic and postoperative complications are emphasized. ^©RSNA, 2018.

Beware the black eye

Maxillofacial injuries are common and account for up to 5% of attendances in accident departments. Many of these are associated with a black eye. The associated swelling around the eye may hide serious injuries to the globe or facial skeleton, which, if undiagnosed, may lead to a loss of vision or unpleasant facial deformity. This article discusses some of the more common underlying injuries associated with a black eye, and illustrates the consequences of failing to diagnose them. The assessment of a black eye is described.

Traditional and contemporary surgical approaches to the orbit

Traditional orbital approaches are nearly a century old and still comprise the foundation of techniques used today. Computer-assisted planning and intraoperative navigation have recently been reported with more prevalence in the literature. The purpose of this article was to review commonly used approaches to the orbit: old and new.

Subcaruncular approach for the reconstruction of blowout fractures of medial orbital walls

To obtain a wide and clean operative field for anatomic reconstruction of medial orbital blowout fractures, an alternative method called the subcaruncular approach has been performed. Between March 2008 and June 2010, this method was applied to the orbits of 41 patients with isolated pure medial orbital blowout fractures. A medial half conjunctival incision was made and extended meticulously to the subcaruncular area through preseptal plane under direct vision. Pre- and postoperative computed tomographic scans and ophthalmic examinations were performed, and clinical results were assessed. Postoperatively, computed tomographic scans revealed anatomic reduction of orbital soft tissues and the reconstructed medial orbital wall to be in proper position in all cases, and diplopia and eyeball motility limitation were resolved in most patients. There were no complications except severe chemosis in one case. We believe that this method can be a useful alternative option for the anatomic reconstruction of medial orbital blowout fractures.

Efficacy of Transcaruncular approach to reconstruct isolated medial orbital fracture

BACKGROUND

Traditional approaches used to repair medial orbital wall fracture include transcutaneous incision such as advocated by Killian and Lynch, or coronal approach. Transcaruncular approach provides an anatomically safe and efficient alternative, allowing generous exposure without the cutaneous scar.

METHODS

Patients presenting with medial orbital wall fractures were identified through the trauma database over a 5 year period. Data of twelve consecutive patients who presented with isolated medial wall fracture and treated via a transcaruncular approach were analysed. The extent of the injury, operative and follow up details were documented.

RESULTS

There were ten male patients and two female patients. On computed tomography, vertical defect ranged from 8 to 16 mm (mean 12 mm) and longitudinal defect ranged from 14 to 31 mm (mean 22 mm). All but three patients were followed up for 9 months postoperatively. Two patients were assessed as having a slightly enlarged caruncle on the operated side, but neither patient was aware of this. Of the 2 patients who complained of diplopia, only one had objective restriction beyond 30° of abduction from primary gaze.

CONCLUSION

Transcaruncular approach allows satisfactory exposure for repair of isolated medial orbital wall fracture. It is an anatomically safe and efficient technique, with superior cosmetic result. Postoperative morbidity is minimal and follow up data demonstrates no permanent complications.

[Orbital trauma]

INTRODUCTION

Single or multifragmental orbital fractures may be a difficult diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma. Dislocation of the orbital contain into maxillary and ethmoid sinus may take place during trauma. The main topics: is when and what surgical technique should be applied in these cases.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Material consists of retrospective analysis of 23 cases with fracture of medial and interior wall of orbit hospitalized in ENT Department of Medical University in Gdansk from 1999 to 2005. External ethmoidectomy was performed in cases with medial wall fracture and loose bone fragments are removed with reposition of orbit tissue. Transantral approach was applied in cases with inferior wall fractures. Loose bone fragments were replaced with autogenic bone or fascia graft, or synthetic material--bone cement.

RESULTS

Complete or partial recovery was achieved in 91% of cases. Only in 2 cases (9%) recovery was not obtained after surgery--in these cases treatment started later then 60 days after fracture.

CONCLUSIONS

In our opinion the optimal results of surgery may be achieved when treatment is begining before 14 day after fracture. If the later treatment is applied the worse results are achieved. Most of the cases must had been completed by rehabilitation after surgery.

Comparison of the Postoperative Outcome in Pure Medial Orbital Fracture Among Three Groups

Many methods of surgical repair of pure medial orbital fractures have been reported. In this study, we discuss the outcome from the surgical corrections of hydroxyapatite (Biocoral) or porous polyethylene (Medpor) through subciliary approach, and the transnasal endoscopic corrections. Between March 1993 and July 2003, 63 patients were treated with porous polyethylene and 48 patients were treated with hydroxyapatite. Between August 2003 and December 2005, 50 patients were treated with transnasal endoscopic approach. Patients had at least 6 months' follow-up, and the records for diplopia, enophthalmos, and other postoperative complications were reviewed retrospectively. As a result, 1 patient from the group using porous polyethylene, 2 patients from the group using hydroxyapatite, and 1 patient from the endoscopic correction group had enophthalmos. Besides enophthalmos, no other complications were observed. There was no significant statistical correlation among 3 groups. In conclusion, a transnasal endoscopic correction may be considered a useful method for surgical repair of pure medial orbital fractures, with no external facial scar and excellent visualization and accuracy comparable to that of the subciliary approach.

The White-Eyed Medial Blowout Fracture

BACKGROUND

The pediatric white-eyed blowout fracture with entrapment of the inferior rectus muscle is well recognized as an easily missed injury with significant morbidity if left untreated. A series of five isolated medial orbital blowout fractures with medial rectus muscle entrapment is described. The purpose of this study was to define this injury pattern and its clinical outcome.

METHODS

A retrospective review of the presentation, management, and clinical outcomes of identified cases was conducted.

RESULTS

Early exploration and release of the entrapped muscle combined with implant reconstruction of the medial orbital wall within 2 weeks resulted in complete resolution of diplopia and full recovery of extraocular movements. Delayed treatment and release of the soft tissues without orbital wall reconstruction were associated with restricted gaze and diplopia. Similar outcomes were confirmed on analysis of other reported cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Orbital floor blowout fractures in the pediatric population have a high incidence of muscle entrapment that must be recognized and treated early to avoid muscle necrosis and permanent ocular restriction from fibrosis. Medial orbital wall fractures with entrapment are rare, but early recognition and operative release of the entrapped muscles result in better outcomes.

Combined Transcutaneous Transethmoidal/Transorbital Approach for the Treatment of Medial Orbital Blowout Fractures

BACKGROUND

The transcutaneous transorbital approach to medial orbital wall fractures facilitates placing a large implant or autogenous graft. However, its major disadvantage is the difficulty of accurately reducing the fractured medial orbital wall and herniated soft tissues with minimal morbidity.

METHODS

To resolve this problem, a combined transcutaneous transethmoidal/transorbital approach through the same skin incision was developed at the Chonnam National University Medical School. Between 1997 and 2003, this approach was used in 54 patients with pure medial orbital blowout fractures. All fractures were larger than 2 cm in defect size and had 3 mm or more of bone displacement.

RESULTS

Postoperative computed tomographic scans showed complete release of entrapped soft tissues and accurate reconstruction of bone defects in all cases. Complications related to the operation such as intraorbital and intramuscular hemorrhage, infection, and eyeball and optic nerve injuries were not observed, except in two cases with slight implant displacement. Follow-up ranged from 2 to 22 months, with an average of 9 months. Forty-one patients were evaluated 6 months or more after their reconstructive procedure. At the time of surgery, diplopia was present in 39 patients, eyeball movement limitation in 35 orbits, and enophthalmos of more than 2 mm in 16 orbits. Postoperatively, diplopia and eyeball movement limitation were resolved in most cases. Two patients had persistent diplopia for more than 1 year after surgery, and one of these needed extraocular muscle surgery. Enophthalmos of more than 2 mm developed in three orbits, but enophthalmos of more than 3 mm was not observed in any orbit. Cosmetic results at the incision site were acceptable in all patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The combined transcutaneous transethmoidal/transorbital approach is a safe procedure that can be performed with minimal morbidity; it offers the advantages of both the transcutaneous approach and the trans-nasal approach. Therefore, the authors suggest that this method be considered as a surgical alternative for the treatment of medial orbital blowout fractures, especially large and combined fractures of the medial wall and other parts of the orbit.

Isolated Medial Orbital Wall Fractures With Medial Rectus Muscle Incarceration

PURPOSE

To retrospectively review and analyze cases of isolated medial orbital wall fractures with medial rectus muscle incarceration presenting to a tertiary ophthalmic plastic surgery practice from 1997 to 2005.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review and literature review.

RESULTS

Nine cases of isolated medial wall fracture with medial rectus muscle incarceration are presented. The most frequently encountered clinical feature was adduction deficit on the affected side. Extraocular motility improved in all patients who underwent surgery, and mean postoperative enophthalmos was minimal.

CONCLUSIONS

Isolated medial orbital wall fractures with medial rectus muscle incarceration are rare. Ocular motility abnormalities were the only indication of underlying fracture in the majority of our cases. Clinicians should be alerted to the anticipated presentation of medial wall fractures with incarceration of the medial rectus muscle, including the possibility of a "white eye" and normal abduction of the traumatized eye.

Myoneural Junctions of Extraocular Muscles: Distances from the Orbital Rim and Widths

PURPOSE

To examine both the distances from the orbital rim to the myoneural junctions (MNJs) and the widths of the MNJs of all extraocular muscles.

METHODS

Six orbits of 3 post-mortem cadavers were used. The cadavers (1 female and 2 males) were all Japanese with an average age of 76.3 years. The MNJs of the extraocular muscles and their motor nerves were exposed, and then the distance from the orbital rim to each MNJ and the width of each MNJ were examined.

RESULTS

The distance from the orbital rim to each MNJ in the 6 extraocular muscles ranged from 24.4 to 33.6 mm and the width of each MNJ ranged from 5.0 to 8.5 mm.

CONCLUSIONS

It is essential for orbital surgeons to understand both the distance from the orbital rim to MNJs and the widths of MNJs. This information not only aids the understanding of MNJ damage, but also prevents iatrogenic nerve impairment during orbital surgery.

Endoscopic Approach to Medial Orbital Wall Fractures

Repair of medial orbital wall fractures can be challenging with traditional open techniques. This article describes different endoscopic-assisted approaches-transcaruncular and intranasal-which have been used to successfully repair these fractures.

Conservative Treatment of Isolated Medial Orbital Wall Fractures

The decision to use surgical or nonsurgical treatment for orbital blow-out fractures is still controversial. Previously, it was advocated that all blow-out fractures should be treated surgically based on the conception that extraocular muscles were blown out and trapped in the fracture area. However, a shift to a more conservative approach occurred gradually, most likely due to the evidence of spontaneous improvement. The medical records of two patients who were diagnosed as having an isolated medial wall fracture with medial rectus muscle displacement into the ethmoid sinus, as demonstrated by computed tomography, were reviewed. Both patients showed improvement only with conservative therapy.

Endoscopic endonasal reduction for blowout fracture of the medial orbital wall

Endoscopic endonasal reductions have been addressed in 63 patients with blowout fracture of the medial orbital wall since 1992. The operations were carried out under general anesthesia with a magnified operative space projected on a television monitor by a charge coupled device video camera attached to the endoscope. The middle nasal turbinate was fractured toward the nasal septum, the uncinate process was cut off, and the bulla was opened. The ethmoidal bony partition and the mucous membrane were removed; however, the fractured bone chips of the medial orbital wall were preserved. The herniated orbital contents were pressed back into the orbital cavity, and the medial wall was set with 2-mm-thick bent silicone plates placed in the ethmoidal sinus. The plates were removed in the outpatient clinic 2 months after the operation. The surgical results of 21 patients treated with endoscopic reduction were compared with those of four patients treated with transfacial reduction with an iliac bone graft. All of the patients had isolated medial wall fracture and became aware of diplopia within 15 degrees in any direction from the primary position (straight gaze) before the operation; the follow-up period covered 6 months. The patients were classified into two categories according to postoperative double vision: "good," indicating no double vision or diplopia of more than 45 degrees, and "poor," diplopia of less than 45 degrees. Improvement of diplopia was observed in all patients without any complication. Of the 21 patients who underwent endoscopic reductions, 17 were classified as "good" and four as "poor." On the other hand, of the four patients who underwent transfacial reductions, three were classified as "good" and one as "poor." Significant differences were not observed between the surgical results of our two methods. Endoscopic endonasal reduction showed greater aesthetic advantages and, moreover, required no grafting. This technique is suggested as one of the most reasonable treatments of medial orbital wall fractures.

Endoscopically assisted transconjunctival approach in orbital medial wall fractures

Full exposure of the medial orbital wall for fracture repair poses difficulty with traditional approaches except coronal incision, especially in cases of wide fracture. The endoscopic-assisted approach with limited incision has been introduced. The authors used the endoscopically assisted transconjunctival approach in 21 cases: 15 isolated medial orbital wall fractures and 6 cases of concomitant floor fractures. Through the medial transconjunctival slit incision, repair of the fracture using calvarial bone graft was undertaken with the aid of an endoscope. All patients recovered without any eye symptoms including clinically notable enophthalmos, but one immediate revisional operation was needed because of a displaced bone graft. Otherwise, the desired position of the graft was confirmed via computed tomography. The endoscopically assisted transconjunctival approach to the orbital medial wall provides improved surgical exposure of the most posterior and superior aspects of the fracture site, enabling more accurate reduction of orbital soft tissue and placement of bone grafts.

Endoscopic transnasal approach for the treatment of medial orbital blow-out fracture: a technique for controlling the fractured wall with a balloon catheter and Merocel

The authors repaired a medial blow-out fracture by using an endoscopic transnasal technique with a balloon catheter and Merocel packing in 17 subjects. The follow-up periods were from 6 weeks to 2 years, and averaged 6 months. The length of the operation was 50 minutes on average. The enophthalmos was corrected in seven of the eight patients. Supporting material for the fractured medial orbital wall was kept in place for 1 to 3 weeks. The mean volume of balloon inflation was 2 cc. The result was satisfactory. No complications resulted from the transnasal endoscopic technique. This endoscopic transnasal approach allows for a better aesthetic result because it eliminates external scarring and permits a direct approach to the medial orbital wall and has a superior visualization. A balloon catheter was used to support the fractured medial orbital fracture, which was adapted, ballooned, and then visualized using a radiopaque dye (Visipaque) in 11 cases. A postoperative computed tomographic scan revealed that this is a very useful method for controlling the status of the reduced orbital wall and eliminates the possibility of complications resulting from infection. A resected uncinate process was used as a bone graft material to repair the large defect in five cases. This method provides several advantages including a mucoperiosteal attached bone graft, working in the same operative field, and cost-effective surgical time. A transnasal endoscopic technique for medial orbital fracture is also very useful for releasing entrapment of the medial rectus muscle, because it directly pushes against the fractured wall and gives good exposure of the medial orbital wall.

Direct local approach through a W-shaped incision in moderate or severe blowout fractures of the medial orbital wall

For moderate or severe blowout fractures of the medial orbital wall, the goals of treatment are complete reduction of the herniated soft tissue and anatomic reconstruction of the wall without surgical complications. Various surgical approaches have been used, depending on the anatomic location and the extent of medial wall fracture. However, there is no consistent method to achieve the treatment goals with minimal morbidity because of one or more problems of limitation of entire medial wall exposure, limitation of large implant or bone graft insertion, surgical damage of important periorbital or intraorbital structures, or postoperative scar deformities. In this study, a direct local approach through a 3-cm, W-shaped incision on the superior medial orbital area was used as a consistent method to reconstruct medial orbital blowout fractures. The angle of the W-limbs is 110 to 120 degrees. Four limbs of the W were placed parallel or oblique to the relaxed skin tension lines. This technique was applied to 39 orbits of 37 patients with moderate or severe blowout fractures of the medial orbital wall. This approach provided exposure of the entire medial orbital wall, adequate placement of a large implant, short operation time within 2 hours, and no damage of important internal structures. Postoperative computed tomographic scans showed complete reduction of the herniated orbital tissues and anatomic reconstruction of the medial orbital wall without complication related to the surgical approach in all cases. During the follow-up period of 6 to 14 months, excellent functional and cosmetic results were observed with an inconspicuous scar without secondary scar deformities. Therefore, a direct local approach through a W-shaped incision on the superior medial orbit may be a consistent method to gain the surgical goal in treatment of moderate or severe blowout fractures of the medial orbital wall.

Intranasal endoscopy-assisted repair of medial orbital wall fractures

The repair of medial orbital blow-out fractures remains a challenging surgical procedure for most surgeons. Endoscopic intranasal visualization of the medial orbital wall or lamina papyracea is a technique familiar to most otolaryngologists. This endoscopic view would allow for confirmation of orbital content reduction and bimanual manipulation of an orbital implant. To determine the effectiveness of a new surgical technique, a cadaveric study was performed to evaluate the ability to (1) reduce the herniated orbital contents and (2) restore the normal anatomic orbital configuration and volume with the addition of an orbital implant. Excellent visualization of the fracture was achieved in all cadaveric specimens. In addition, endoscopic intranasal visualization of the medial orbital wall greatly facilitated the anatomic reduction of orbital contents and proper placement of the orbital implant. The surgical technique is described and a clinical case is reported in which this endoscopic technique was effectively used. Arch Facial Plast Surg. 2000;2:269-273

Pure orbital blowout fracture: new concepts and importance of medial orbital blowout fracture

Pure orbital blowout fracture first occurs at the weakest point of the orbital wall. Although the medial orbital wall theoretically should be involved more frequently than the orbital floor, the orbital floor has been reported as the most common site of pure orbital blowout fractures. A total of 82 orbits in 76 patients with pure orbital blowout fracture were evaluated with computed tomographic scans taken on all patients with any suspicious clinical evidence, including nasal fracture. Isolated medial wall fracture was most common (55 percent), followed by medial and inferior wall fracture (27 percent). The most common facial fracture associated with medial wall fracture was nasal fracture (51 percent), not inferior wall fracture (33 percent). This finding suggests that the force causing nasal fracture is an important causative factor of pure medial wall fracture as the buckling force from the medial orbital rim. Of patients with medial wall fractures, 25 percent had diplopia and 40 percent had enophthalmos. On plain radiographs, diagnostic signs were found in 79 percent of medial wall fractures and in 95 percent of inferior wall fractures. On computed tomographic scans, late enophthalmos was expected in 76 percent of medial wall fractures. Therefore, the medial orbital blowout fracture may be an important cause of late enophthalmos, because it has a high incidence of occurrence, a low diagnostic rate, and a high severity of defect. Among the causes of limitation of ocular motility, muscle traction of the connective septa and direct muscle injury were found frequently, but true incarceration of the muscle was extremely rare in all fractures. The medial and inferior orbital walls are clearly demarcated by the bony buttress, which is an important structure supporting these orbital walls. Its buttress was closely correlated with the fracture of these orbital walls. Most orbital blowout fractures without collapse of the bony buttress had a trapdoor fracture with or without small fragments of punched-out fracture.

Endoscopically assisted reconstruction of orbital medial wall fractures

Traditional surgical approaches to orbital medial wall fractures are either direct extraocular skin incisions or indirect bicoronal flap. However, these methods can leave remarkable orbital scars or scalp alopecia with the possible associated complications. A minimally invasive endoscopic technique with the assistance of a 2.7-mm, 30-degree telescope through a medial transconjunctival incision has been successfully used to reconstruct the orbital medial wall fractures. This technique was applied to four patients who had orbital medial wall fractures. Three patients also had concomitant orbital floor fractures. The other had associated superior orbital fissure syndrome. All patients were presented with limited eye movement, positive forced duction test, horizontal diplopia, and enophthalmos (3 mm to 6 mm) preoperatively. The entrapped periorbital tissues in the ethmoid sinus were completely reduced endoscopically. The bone defect of orbital medial wall was reconstructed with autogenous rib bone grafts under endoscopic control. The patients were followed up for 8 to 16 months with an average of 11 months. Three patients recovered completely without any residual eye symptoms after intervention. Clinically significant residual enophthalmos of 3 mm occurred in the patient with the superior orbital fissure syndrome. His eye movement limitation caused by entrapment of medial rectus muscle was relieved postoperatively. There was no donor-site morbidity or any complications related to the endoscopically assisted procedure. Endoscopically assisted medial transconjunctival approach to the orbital medial wall fractures is an excellent adjunct for the exposure and complete reduction of herniated periorbital tissue and bony reconstruction of the medial orbital wall.

Posterior medial wall blow out fracture

Images

Medial orbital wall fractures: classification and clinical profile

This article reports our experience and proposes a clinical classification regarding medial orbital wall fractures. After a retrospective analysis of 2741 patients with facial fractures, we were able to evaluate 273 patients with 304 medial orbital wall fractures. The male-to-female ratio was 5:1, and most injuries involved the left orbit. Most fractures were caused by personal altercations, but more complex injuries were noted with automobile accidents and falls. Fractures were divided into types based on location and severity of injury: type I (confined to the medial orbital wall), type II (medial orbital wall continuous with floor), type III (medial orbital wall with floor-malar fractures), and type IV (medial orbital wall and complex midfacial injuries). Although visual loss (2%), diplopia (41%), and enophthalmos (12%) were seen, diplopia and enophthalmos were commonly observed with type II injuries. Imaging studies showed that about 52% of the fractures were associated with prolapse of orbital fat, but only 43% could be diagnosed with plain x rays. Type I fractures were generally explored through a frontoethmoid incision; other types were treated with subciliary or transconjunctival approaches. The usual treatment consisted of repositioning the fragments and repair of the wall with polyethylene mesh or cranial bone graft. Type I and type II fractures seemed best explained by the hydraulic mechanism of injury, whereas the type III and type IV fractures best fitted the buckling theory.

Ocular motor abnormalities from head trauma

Head injuries cause the hospitalization of 200-300 persons per 100,000 population per year. Ophthalmologists provide diagnostic and therapeutic care to those trauma victims with damage to the globe, optic nerve, orbit, and ocular motor system. Eye movements can be affected by damage at any level of the central nervous system or peripheral motor unit. Comprehensive ocular motor assessment of the trauma patient can substantially contribute to the understanding of the patient's injury, recovery, and rehabilitation. This review examines all aspects of head and face trauma that can lead to ocular motility disturbances.

Orbital complications secondary to endoscopic sinus surgery

Eight cases of significant orbital complications associated with endoscopic sinus surgery are described. The anatomic problems generally fall into four categories: nasolacrimal sac or duct injury, extraocular muscle injury, intraorbital hemorrhage/emphysema, or optic nerve injury. The successful management of each complication depends on a thorough knowledge of the anatomy and pathophysiology of the orbital injury. Return to normal function of the traumatized orbital structures after medical and/or surgical intervention is anticipated. However, direct optic nerve injury with immediate visual field and/or acuity deficit is usually irreversible.

Medial and lateral wall decompression for thyroid ophthalmopathy

A two-wall decompression of the orbit, consisting of removal of the medial and lateral walls, was successful in eight patients with thyroid ophthalmopathy. The lateral wall was by removed by using the standard orbitotomy technique in addition to enlarging the space with a pneumatic burr, and the medial wall was removed through a direct medial canthal incision. Two patients had optic neuropathy, one had intermittent subluxation of the globe, and five had symptoms of exposure or increased pressure in the orbital area. In our eight patients, the two with optic neuropathy improved, the patient with subluxation of the globe became asymptomatic, and the other five had less exposure and were more comfortable. The amount of decompression ranged between 4 and 7 mm. The lacrimal sac was injured in one patient; temporary silicone intubation avoided any permanent sequela.

Medial orbital wall fracture with enophthalmos

An isolated blow-out fracture of the medial orbital wall is uncommon, whereas the incidence in conjunction with an orbital floor fracture is high. The most striking features of an isolated medial wall fracture are diplopia on medial and lateral gaze and/or enophthalmos. The cases of two patients with a fracture of the medial orbital wall with enophthalmos are presented. One patient had an isolated medial wall fracture, whereas the other had a combined medial and inferior orbital wall fracture. Treatment of the enophthalmos consisted of exposure of the medial wall fracture site using a bicoronal flap, freeing of the herniated soft tissues and reconstruction of the defect with an autogenous medial iliac bone graft. The incidence, aetiology, pathogenesis, signs and symptoms and surgical treatment of the isolated orbital medial blow-out fracture are discussed.