Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Three-Dimensional Reconstruction of Orbital Fractures
Published on: May 16, 2025
Severe subcutaneous emphysema following orbital blowout fracture
Donny L Reeves1, Mark J Lucarelli, John G Rose
1Oculoplastics Service, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53792-3220, USA.
Abstract:
A 19-year-old man sustained a blowout fracture to the left orbital floor. Subcutaneous emphysema developed after a protracted sneezing episode. Some signs of respiratory distress ensued, and the patient was emergently intubated. He underwent surgical repair of the fracture and then had further extension of the subcutaneous emphysema. The left nasal cavity was packed and the emphysema slowly resolved. Clinically significant subcutaneous emphysema is an uncommon complication of orbital blowout fracture. Informing the patient to avoid excessive nose-blowing and to avoid occluding the nose while sneezing may prevent this complication.
Related Concept Videos
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease II: Emphysema
Flail Chest-II
Assessment:
1. Clinical Evaluation:
History:
Pneumothorax-II
Clinical Manifestations:
Pneumothorax-I
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
Acute Respiratory Failure-II
The underlying physiological abnormalities that contribute to hypoxemic respiratory failure include:
Acute Respiratory Failure-III