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Three-Dimensional Reconstruction of Orbital Fractures
Published on: May 16, 2025
Periorbital trauma from pit bull terrier attacks.
Edward J Wladis1, Mohit A Dewan
1Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery, Lions Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Albany Medical College, Slingerlands, NY 12159, USA. tedwladis@gmail.com
Orbit (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
|May 4, 2012
Summary
Pit bull attacks frequently cause periorbital trauma, especially in children, often resulting in eyelid lacerations and common canalicular injuries. Fortunately, wound infections were not observed in this study.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Plastic Surgery
- Trauma Surgery
Background:
- Pit bull terrier attacks are a recognized cause of significant facial trauma.
- Ophthalmic manifestations of periorbital trauma from pit bull attacks remain underdocumented in scientific literature.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the nature and severity of periorbital injuries resulting from pit bull terrier attacks.
- To document the ophthalmic sequelae and management of such injuries.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series review of patients presenting to an oculoplastic and orbital surgery service.
- Evaluation of patient demographics, injury extent, treatment, follow-up, and complications between 2008 and 2011.
Main Results:
- Seven patients were identified, with a mean age of 17.2 years; 6/7 were pediatric patients.
- All patients sustained eyelid lacerations; 4 (57.2%) had associated canalicular lacerations.
- No wound infections occurred despite the absence of routine post-operative oral antibiotics.
Conclusions:
- Pit bull terrier attacks in the ophthalmic setting predominantly affect children.
- Eyelid lacerations are the most common injury, with a high incidence of canalicular involvement.
- Effective management can prevent complications like wound infections.
