Delayed visual loss by indirect traumatic optic neuropathy related to panfacial fracture: A case report

Lee, Jong Bok; Lee, Dae Jeong; Choi, Moon Ki; Min, Seung Ki

Abstract

As panfacial fractures are involved multiple fracture, there are possibility of many pre-operative and postoperative complications. It is necessary to do exact pre-operative evaluation, appropriate operation and care, for preventing and treating these complications, especially related to optic nerve injury. The complication occurs rarely after periorbital facial bone fracture, and indirect injuries may occur as a result of impact shearing force transmitted into the optic nerve axons or to the nutrient vessels of the optic nerve. Also indirect injuries may occur after the force of impact because of vasospasm and swelling of the optic nerve within the confines of the nonexpansile optic canal. It is necessary to active evaluation and treatments involving decompression of the orbit surgically and high dose steroid therapy in relation to panfacial fracture. But sometimes this treatments are limited due to severe swelling of the face and related multiple bone fractures in the body. This case showed the delayed neuropathy, at last visual loss, in spite of megadose methylprednisolone administration. The purpose of this article is to present indirect traumatic optic neuropathy that is one of many complications in panfacial bone fracture.