Clinical Analysis of Medial Orbital Wall Fractures

Yoon, Se Dong; Oh, Cheon Hwan

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Medial orbital wall fractures are seen in association with fractures of the orbital floor or more complex bony disruptions. It is important to diagnose and manage medial orbital wall fractures as early as possible, because of the possibility of functional orbital damage later. In this study, fractures were divided into the following types based on location and severity of injury according to Nolasco and Mathog: type I (confined to the medial orbital wall), type II (medial orbital wall continuous with floor, type III (medial orbital wall with floor-malar fractures), and type IV (medial orbital wall and complex midfacial injuries).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We reviewed 22 cases of medial orbital wall fractures according to the classification of Nolasco and Mathog at Soonchunhyang University Chunan Hospital.
RESULTS
1) Types of fractures observed were type I (9 cases), type II (10 cases), type III (2 cases), and type IV (1 case). 2) The most common age groups were the thirties and the fourties. The male-to-female ratio was 3:1, and more injuries were found at the left orbit. 3) Assault was the most common cause, as observed in 10 of 22 cases (45.5%), and types III and IV injuries only occurred in falls. 4) Diplopia was the most common symptom, as in 15 of 22 cases (68.2%). Ecchymosis and periorbital swelling were more common with type I; diplopia was more common with type II. 5) Type I fractures were generally explored through intranasal approach, whereas the other types were commonly treated with subciliary or Caldwell-Luc approach. SUMMARY: Medial orbital wall fractures were more common in type I and II, the male, and the left side. Commonly, type I fractures caused ecchymosis and periorbital swelling and were treated with conservative treatment. In most cases, type II fractures caused diplopia and were treated with surgery 1 or 2 weeks after trauma.