[Post-traumatic enophthalmos. Physiopathologic considerations and current therapeutics]

The article is an overview of the available literature on post-traumatic enophthalmos (PTE). The PTE has a clinical definition and its diagnosis is based on a clinical examination. Fully assessment of the deformity requires complete ophthalmological examination and a measurement of the globe backward displacement by the mean of Hertel's ophthalmometer. Focusing on the pathophysiology, we insist on the role of periorbit and extraocular muscle retraction; nevertheless, according to most of the author's, opinion, the main pattern of the PTE seems to be the increased orbital post-traumatic volume, as it can be demonstrated by computed tomography (CT scan). In fact, thorough evaluation of the deformity needs at less a CT scan examination, providing horizontal and coronal slices. Sometimes, even a three-dimensional reconstruction can be obtained, helping the surgeon assessing the orbital deformity pre-operatively. We present five patients victims of a high-energy facial injury (motor vehicular accidents is responsible for an overwhelming majority of cases) leading to severe orbital lesions, and presenting a PTE as the main sequelae. We use homologous bone grafts to repair orbital fractures, especially calvarial bone. Osteotomy of the zygomatic bone (total or partial) can be proposed, combined with grafting of the orbit, to improve the correction of PTE. Most of all, patients with acute orbital trauma must be operated on as quick as possible: the sooner the surgery, the lower the probability for the PTE to occur.