[Orbital fractures: diagnosis and treatment policy]

The present paper generalizes the tactical principles of the examination and treatment of patients with orbital fractures. The clinical signs of a fracture are evaluated, with emphasis laid on the significant and insignificant symptoms. Routine X-ray study is regarded as an inadequate diagnostic technique, computed tomography is presented as a basic procedure for detecting and detailing the specific features of the fracture. The cases (n = 161) are divided into 5 groups according to the types of fracture. The treatment sequence is defined, by taking into account the severity of injury. The time of reparative operations (early or late) is recommended in terms of the risk for ocular dysfunction. The principles of reparative and compensatory surgical techniques for different types of injuries, mainly by applying bony autografts and Carbotextim, are given.