Unexpected impact: Orbital fracture from pickleball trauma - a case report and literature review

PurposeTo present a case of orbital fracture arising from a pickleball related injury.MethodsRetrospective case reportResultsPickleball is a fast-growing sport combining elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis and injuries to the eye and adnexa from blunt trauma associated with pickleball are increasing. To date, no cases of orbital fractures arising from pickleball-associated trauma have been documented. We report the case of a 54-year-old male who sustained orbital trauma when his teammate's paddle struck his face. Examination revealed lid hematoma, a lower eyelid laceration, subconjunctival haemorrhage and periorbital edema. Imaging demonstrated a minimally displaced medial orbital wall fracture without muscle entrapment or bony impingement. The laceration was repaired, and the fracture was managed conservatively given the absence of diplopia or enophthalmos.Conclusions and importanceWhile on its own, an orbital fracture is a commonly encountered entity, the mode of injury and the nature of the trauma that led to the injury are extremely rare. This case highlights the potential for serious orbital injuries in pickleball, emphasizing the need for protective measures and increased awareness among players and healthcare providers. In this communication, we describe our case in detail and review the reported cases of pickleball related ophthalmic trauma.