Orbital Fracture in Emergency Medicine Workup
- Author: Thomas Widell, MD; Chief Editor: Rick Kulkarni, MD more...
Laboratory Studies
- Direct lab studies toward workup of trauma patient.
Imaging Studies
Radiographs
CT is replacing plain films in the evaluation of orbital trauma because of higher sensitivity and better definition of the injuries. When CT is not available or there is low suspicion without ocular symptoms plain films can be used.
Obtain routine facial views, including Waters, Caldwell, and lateral projections.
Waters view best displays inferior orbital rims, nasoethmoidal bones, and maxillary sinuses. If the patient is upright when the film is taken, an air-fluid level can often be seen in the maxillary sinus, which may indicate fracture of the maxillary sinus (orbital floor).
If the patient is immobilized on a backboard when the film is taken, blood layers form in the posterior of the sinus, making it appear clouded. Another sign of orbital blow-out fracture is the teardrop sign, an opacification in the upper maxillary sinus, which represents periorbital fat and possibly an entrapped extraocular muscle in the maxillary sinus.
Caldwell projection provides the best view of the lateral orbital rim and ethmoid bone.
Lateral views are the least helpful, but if the patient is lying supine on the backboard, he or she may show air-fluid levels in the posterior of the maxillary sinus.
Cervical spine radiographs may be indicated in patients with severe facial injuries or with a consistent mechanism and/or neck pain.
Computed tomography
Depending on the institution and severity of the incident, CT scanning is generally considered the test of choice to diagnose facial/orbital fractures. Benefits include increased sensitivity, improved ability to plan for operative repair when needed, and utility in diagnosing associated injuries.
Orbital blow-out fractures may require CT scanning to evaluate the floor and medial wall of the orbit. CT scanning may not be needed in the emergent setting if the patient has no ocular injury or entrapment. However, in patients with a decrease in visual acuity, this test is helpful in diagnosing direct optic nerve involvement in the fracture and the presence of retro-ocular edema or hematoma, which can stretch the optic nerve.
In severe injuries in the orbit area, facial CT scanning may identify associated orbital rim, nasoethmoidal, and zygomaticomaxillary fractures.
Consider CT scanning of the brain to exclude concomitant intracranial injuries.
Other Tests
- Perform a slit-lamp examination of the eye to exclude eye injury.
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