title: Orbital fractures.
abstract: In this paper the importance of the clinical, ophthalmological and radiological examination in the diagnosis of orbital fractures is stressed. Indications for operative treatment can be esthetic or functional, such as enophthalmos or diplopia. A plea is made for early diagnosis and treatment. An open approach is used for all displaced fractures in order to obtain an anatomical reduction. Currently, miniplates and screws are used more frequently for stabilization. Defects in the orbital floor should be covered preferably with autogenous bone or, if unavailable, with bovine cartilage or some synthetic material.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic Surgery, University Hospital, Ghent.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Vermeersch
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Heintz
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Matton
mesh_terms: D001860:Bone Plates; D001863:Bone Screws; D004172:Diplopia / Q000209:etiology; D015841:Enophthalmos / Q000209:etiology; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D009917:Orbital Fractures / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery