Signs of Orbital fracture (Broken bone)

Orbital Fracture (Broken Bone)

Description

Fracture of the bones around the eye. Orbital fractures usually occur from head or facial trauma. There are four walls to the orbit and the most commonly fractured is the inferior (bottom) wall. Fractures can involve the sinus and/or a basal skull fracture causing cerebrospinal fluid leaking from the nose (CSF rhinorrhea). The eye muscles can be trapped in the fracture causing double vision or inability to move the eye. A co-existing brain injury can also occur.

Symptoms

Eye pain, bruising around the eye. Pain with eye movement, double vision, inability to fully move an eye, air in the soft tissue of the face, clear fluid leaking from the nose (CSF/cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea).

Tests

A history and physical exam will be performed. X-rays can be done but do not offer enough detail to delineate the full extent of the injury. A CT scan is typically done for more information and can also demonstrate an associated brain injury.

Standard Workup

CT Scan

Treatment

Some fractures are only observed and treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications/NSAIDs (ibuprofen/Motrin or Advil, naproxen/Naprosyn) and pain medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol). Fractures that entrap eye muscles causing double vision may be operated on emergently. Other surgical repairs can be done after the swelling has decreased.