Blowout Fractures

Blowout Fractures are caused by direct trauma to the eye by on object larger in diameter than the orbital rim. There are two theories behind the mechanics of the blowout process. The first theory is the buckling theory. It postulates that the orbital rim buckles under sufficient force and subsequently causes fractures in the orbital wall and floor. The retropulsion theory claims that when excessive force is applied over the orbit that the intraorbital pressure increases beyond the capacity of the bony structures to contain the pressure. Decompression must then occur through fracturing of the orbital wall and floor. In either case, the end result is fracturing of the orbital wall and floor as result of a blunt force trauma to the orbit.




Radiographically, fragments may be visualized in the maxillary sinus. The maxillary sinus may also appear opacified due to blood filling the cavity. Surgical repair may be necessary and is often performed by emplacing an orbital implant.