More zygomatic fractures, late enophthalmos rates in patients with multiple trauma, study finds

Patients with multiple trauma who also suffer orbital trauma have a higher incidence of zygomatic fractures and late enophthalmos compared with patients who have localized orbital trauma, according to a study by researchers in Israel.

Nir Seider, MD, and colleagues reviewed outcomes for 43 orbital trauma patients who developed ocular motility problems or enophthalmos over a 4-year period. Of these, 31 patients (72%) experienced localized orbital trauma and 12 (28%) experienced concomitant trauma to other bodily organs.

The researchers found that more orbital walls were affected in multiple trauma patients. These patients also had a higher incidence of zygomatic fractures and had a much higher prevalence of late enophthalmos, according to the study.

However, no significant difference was seen between groups in terms of extraocular motility disturbance outcomes, the authors noted.

"The increased rate of late enophthalmos in [multiple trauma] patients may be associated with their primary presentation to the emergency room with potentially life-threatening injuries. Under such circumstances, thorough ophthalmologic examination is nearly impossible, both because the patient cannot cooperate sufficiently and because medical priorities dictate concentration on ... the injuries threatening life. The lack of a thorough ophthalmic examination prevents early comprehensive treatment," the study authors said.

The study is published in the March/April issue of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.