Blowout fracture in a 3-year-old

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Ophthalmology
• Pediatric Traumatology

Background:

• Orbital floor fractures are uncommon in young children.
• Pure blowout fractures, without associated facial bone injuries, are particularly rare in this age group.
• Delayed presentation of symptoms like enophthalmos can occur.

Observation:

• A 3-year-old presented with an orbital floor fracture but lacked initial clinical symptoms.
• A conservative management approach was initially adopted.
• Enophthalmos developed three weeks after the initial injury.

Findings:

• The orbital floor fracture was successfully reconstructed using a transconjunctival approach.
• This case underscores the rarity of pure blowout fractures in very young children.
• The importance of considering delayed symptom development in pediatric orbital trauma is evident.

Implications:

• This case emphasizes the need for careful monitoring in pediatric orbital floor fractures, even without initial symptoms.
• The transconjunctival approach offers a viable surgical option for pediatric orbital reconstruction.
• Understanding the unique diagnostic and management nuances of pediatric orbital fractures is crucial for oral and maxillofacial surgeons.