Clinical and Surgical Results of Treatment Modalities in Orbital Roof Fractures: Single-Center Experience

Orbital roof fractures are uncommon craniofacial fractures. Due to the location of the fracture and the mechanism of trauma, it is often associated with neuroophthalmological injuries. The authors aimed to evaluate the results of conservative and surgical treatments of patients with orbital roof fractures and present our clinical experiences regarding optimal treatment planning, especially in cases of moderate or severe head trauma. The authors retrospectively identified 145 patients who were treated for orbital roof fractures. Three colored silicone-injected cadaver samples and a dry skull were used to show the panoramic view of the anatomy of the orbital region. In this study, orbital roof fractures were classified under 4 types. The most common fracture type was type 1 (42%). Intracranial hemorrhage was observed in 60% of all cases and was most common in type 3 fractures (68%). Neuro-ophthalmological deficits were detected in 16% of all patients and were most common in Type 4 fractures (47%). Third cranial nerve deficit was the most common deficit (39%). Neuroophthalmological deficits were detected in 9.5 % of patients with mild head trauma and 32.5% in patients with moderate or severe head trauma. Moderate or severe head trauma was detected in 28% of the cases. Moderate or severe head trauma makes it difficult to detect neuro-ophthalmological complications, which are critical in determining the need for acute surgery. In patients with moderate or severe brain injury, treatment should be individualized according to the nature of the displacement and the relationship between concomitant fractures and intracranial hemorrhage.