Survey and Review of Blowout Fractures

Eun, Seok Chan; Heo, Chan Yeong; Baek, Rong Min; Minn, Kyung Won; Chung, Chul Hoon; Oh, Suk Joon

Abstract

PURPOSE: Blowout fractures of the orbit are common sequelae to blunt facial trauma and now increasing in number due to automobile accidents, violence and industrial disasters. There are some reports of diagnosis and treatment of this fracture, but detailed data provided in overall aspects are very few. We analysed extensive data to provide guide line of blowout fracture patients care.
METHODS
We retrospectively studied 387 orbital blowout fracture patients who had been followed up at least 3-6 months. Their hospital records were reviewed according to causes, fracture site, operation methods, and follow up results, etc.
RESULTS
The ratio of males to females was 7 : 3 and fractures were most often seen in the 20-29 age group. 180(47%) patients had medial orbital wall fractures, 155(40%) patients had floor fractures and 52(13%) patients had a combination of orbital floor and medial wall fractures. The highest associated bone fracture was the nasal bone(37%). The open reduction was done in the 324 patients(83.7%) and insertion materials were used in the 249 patients(77%). Total 45 patients(14%) complained of residual diplopia and 26 patients(8%) kept mild enophthalmos. 24 patients(7%) showed some restriction of extraocular muscle movements.
CONCLUSION
We broadly surveyed the information of blow out fracture patients and believe that this study provides important prognostic information that can be of benefit to both patient and surgeon during preoperative counseling and postoperative analysis of orbital blowout fractures.