Blowout fracture
Blowout Fracture
A Blowout fracture (/ˈbloʊaʊt ˈfræk.tʃər/) is a type of facial fracture that primarily affects the orbital floor or the walls of the eye socket.
Etymology
The term "blowout fracture" originates from the mechanism of injury. It is so named because the fracture occurs when a sudden increase in intraorbital pressure causes the walls of the orbit to "blow out" or fracture.
Description
A blowout fracture is typically caused by a direct impact to the globe of the eye, such as from a fist or ball. This impact increases the pressure within the eye socket, causing the thinnest part of the orbit, usually the orbital floor or medial wall, to fracture. This can lead to diplopia (double vision), enophthalmos (sunken eye), and infraorbital nerve damage.
Related Terms
- Orbital fracture: A broader term for any fracture of the bones surrounding the eye.
- Zygomaticomaxillary complex fracture: A fracture that involves the orbital floor, among other facial bones.
- Le Fort fracture: A classification of facial fractures, which can sometimes include blowout fractures.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of a blowout fracture is typically made through a combination of physical examination and imaging studies, such as CT scan. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, bruising, double vision, and numbness or tingling in the cheek or upper lip.
Treatment
Treatment for a blowout fracture may include observation, pain medication, antibiotics, corticosteroids, and in some cases, surgical repair.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Blowout fracture
- Wikipedia's article - Blowout fracture
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