title: An orbital apex fracture resulting in multiple cranial neuropathies.
abstract: Fractures of the orbital apex are rare after trauma, but can be devastating if associated with indirect traumatic optic neuropathy and a permanent visual defect. Computed tomography plays an important role in the diagnosis and classification of these fractures, but optimal treatment is controversial. We describe an isolated fracture of the orbital apex in a 15-year-old boy resulting in indirect traumatic optic neuropathy and palsies of cranial nerves III, IV and VI after a blunt injury to the face.
authors.affiliation: Maxillofacial Unit, St Richards Hospital, Spitalfield Lane, Chichester, West Sussex PO19 6SE, United Kingdom. mikebater@hotmail.com
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Bater
authors.forename: P L
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Ramchandani
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ramchandani
authors.forename: T R
authors.initials: TR
authors.lastname: Flood
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D020209:Cranial Nerve Injuries / Q000209:etiology*; D005151:Facial Injuries / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009917:Orbital Fractures / Q000150:complications*; D015354:Vision, Low / Q000209:etiology; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000150:complications