Complications of orbital trauma surgery

This article considers the complications of orbital trauma surgery. In addition, ocular as well as nonocular complications of orbital trauma are outlined. Knowledge of the workup of specific types of orbital fractures will help prevent common sequelae of unrecognized orbital fractures: (a) orbital contour abnormalities, and (b) late enophthalmos. Complications of orbital fracture repair that relate directly to the alloplastic implant include (a) orbital cellulitis due to an infected implant, (b) anterior extrusion of the implant, (c) compression of the optic nerve by the implant, (d) dacryocystitis due to obstruction of the lacrimal sac by the implant, and (e) late proptosis due to hemorrhage into the fibrous capsule that surrounds the implant. Surgical techniques that minimize such complications are emphasized.