Traumatic orbital compartment syndrome: importance of prompt recognition and management

The orbit is a cone-shaped structure formed by rigid bony walls within which the globe and retrobulbar contents are encased. Anteriorly, the orbital septum and eyelids form another relatively inflexible boundary. The medial and lateral canthal tendons attach the eyelids to the orbital rim and also limit any anterior displacement of the globe. Although small increases in orbital volume can be compensated for by forward displacement of the globe and prolapse of fat, a rapid rise in intraorbital pressure normally ensues. This increase in pressure within the confined space of the orbit causes decreased perfusion with associated ischaemic damage not unlike that seen in other compartment syndromes. We report a case of traumatic orbital compartment syndrome successfully decompressed by means of a lateral canthotomy.