Orbital floor fractures: early repair and results

In the 5-year period 1978-1982, 34 patients with facial fractures underwent repair of the orbital floor. Reconstruction of the orbital floor by means of an implant was used in 28 of 34 patients (82%). Nineteen patients (56%) had a balloon inflated in the maxillary sinus to stabilize the orbital floor. Radiographic contrast solution was used in the balloon to facilitate the postoperative radiographic control of the balloon and the orbital floor. It was possible to make a follow-up study of 30 of the 34 patients. Nine of the patients had persisting reduced sensitivity in the infraorbital nerve region and 7 patients had slight enophthalmos. Out of the 30 patients, only 2 patients had persisting diplopia of a slight to moderate degree and none found it disturbing enough to need further surgery. This series shows that good results can be expected after early surgery and active management with open reposition, reconstruction and placing of an intral balloon are recommended.