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Updated: Jul 16, 2026
08:18
Three-Dimensional Reconstruction of Orbital Fractures
Published on: May 16, 2025
Association between ocular injuries and internal orbital fractures
Dongmei He1, Preston H Blomquist, Edward Ellis
1University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.
Summary
Orbital blowout fractures rarely cause severe ocular injuries, suggesting the bone buckling theory is more likely than direct globe impact theories. This study analyzed 240 fractures in 225 patients.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Trauma Surgery
- Facial Reconstruction
Background:
- The mechanism of orbital blowout fractures remains debated among surgeons.
- Key theories include hydraulic, globe-to-orbital wall contact, and bone buckling.
- Direct globe impact is anticipated in hydraulic and globe-to-wall theories.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between orbital blowout fractures and ocular injuries.
- To evaluate the validity of different orbital fracture theories based on injury patterns.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of patient records with orbital blowout fractures.
- Inclusion of cases with complete ophthalmologic examinations.
- Tabulation of bone and ocular globe injury data.
Main Results:
- 240 orbital blowout fractures in 225 patients were analyzed.
- 22% of fractures (53 cases) were associated with ocular injuries.
- Commotio retinae, traumatic mydriasis, and traumatic iritis were the most frequent ocular findings, mostly minor.
Conclusions:
- The low incidence of significant ocular injury suggests direct globe impact is uncommon.
- Findings support the bone buckling theory as the more probable mechanism for most orbital blowout fractures.
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