Lateral canthotomy and cantholysis: a simple, vision-saving procedure.
Lateral canthotomy and cantholysis is a simple procedure that can be performed by emergency physicians. It has the potential to save vision, particularly in cases of blunt ocular trauma. The case of a 37-year-old man with blunt ocular trauma, a retrobulbar hemorrhage and rapidly increasing orbital pressure requiring an urgent lateral canthotomy and cantholysis is presented. Pathophysiology, indications, contraindications, procedure and follow-up care are described.
McInnes
Gord
G
Department of Emergency Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
Howes
Daniel W
DW