title: Orbital emphysema - the need for surgical intervention.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Orbital emphysema is a recognised complication of fractures of the orbit and only rarely poses a threat to vision.
  
  
  METHODS
  We present three patients with threatened vision secondary to orbital emphysema that required an immediate surgical decompression.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Visual function was preserved in all three patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Clinical awareness of pneumo-orbitism is vital as immediate orbital decompression may be necessary to preserve visual function.
authors: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, St. Georges Hospital, Tooting, London, UK. stevenj.key@virgin.net
authors: Steven J
authors: SJ
authors: Key
authors: Francine
authors: F
authors: Ryba
authors: Simon
authors: S
authors: Holmes
authors: Mehmet
authors: M
authors: Manisali
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D019299:Decompression, Surgical; D004646:Emphysema / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D005094:Exophthalmos / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009916:Orbital Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D009917:Orbital Fractures / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome