Considering the Interaction between Surgical Approach and Timing on Complication Rates of Complex Orbital Fracture...

The optimal approach and timing of complex orbital fracture repair is an unresolved issue that is complicated by unique clinical presentations and patient-specific considerations. Early surgical repair in less than 14 days is associated with fewer complications; however, there are no guidelines addressing the optimal timing for surgical repair. This study assesses the time of surgical repair and surgical outcomes of complex orbital fractures.

Retrospective chart review from 2010 to 2022. Adult patients with orbital fractures are treated with surgical repair.

In all, 94 patients presented with orbital fractures and were treated with 108 surgeries. Postoperative complications: vision disturbance 33/108 (30.6%), gaze restriction 12/108 (11.1%), lid malposition 10/108 (9.3%), globe complication 13/108 (12.0%), and hardware issues 14/108 (13.0%). Postoperative complications were not significantly associated with the surgical approach used for fracture repair or the time of surgical repair.

Postoperative complications following surgical repair of orbital fractures are not associated with surgical approach or time of repair following the initial injury.