title: Management of orbital blow-out fractures.
abstract: Twenty-nine patients with orbital blow-out fractures are reviewed. The approach to management and the criteria for surgery are discussed and the results of surgical and non-surgical treatments reported. Of the 16 patients treated surgically, 3 (18.75%) required a second operation, indicating failure of primary management. All 13 patients for whom surgery was thought not to be indicated, recovered without complications. The incidence of associated severe ocular injuries (31%) is high and indicates the need for a full ophthalmological assessment. The potential role of computed tomography in the management of blow-out fractures is discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cape Town.
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Straker
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Hill
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008722:Methods; D009917:Orbital Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012887:Skull Fractures / Q000601:surgery*