Orbital Fracture Repair

Orbital fracture repair is a surgical procedure that can correct fractures in the bones surrounding the eye socket.

Repair and Protect

The procedure is performed to restore aesthetics, prevent double vision, and protect the eye from further damage. During surgery, bone fragments are repositioned and stabilized with plates or screws.

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What is orbital fracture repair?

Orbital fracture repair is a surgical procedure performed by a skilled oculoplastic surgeon to treat broken bones in the eye socket (orbit). Patients suffering from this condition may struggle with poor eyesight, double vision, or misalignment of the eyes. Orbital fractures can be subtle and present a diagnostic challenge. As such, a CT scan is usually ordered to determine if orbital trauma exists.

How is orbital fracture repair performed?

An orbital fracture occurs when the bone that forms the eye socket is broken. This can happen due to a direct blow to the face, such as may occur in a car accident or sports injury. Symptoms of an orbital fracture may include swelling, bruising, double vision, and pain when moving the eye.

In cases where the fracture is small or medium-sized, orbital fracture repair may be recommended. The goal of surgery is to restore the normal position of the eye and prevent long-term complications.

Incisions are created within the eyelids or the mouth. The soft tissues are lifted, and a small plate or mesh is used to support the fracture. This helps restore the contours of the eye region and prevents the eye from sinking back into the socket.

What are the benefits of orbital fracture repair?

Restores the anatomy of the eye and surrounding structures
Improves eye function and range of motion
Reduces the risk of double vision or enophthalmos (sunken eye)
Enhances comfort, peace of mind, and quality of life

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Candidacy

Orbital fractures are a common injury that can occur as a result of facial trauma. They can cause a range of symptoms, including pain, swelling, double vision, and a sunken eye appearance that can be disconcerting. In some cases, the fracture can also cause damage to the surrounding structures, such as the optic nerve or the muscles that control eye movement. When a patient presents with an orbital fracture, the first step is to conduct a thorough examination to assess the extent of the damage.

This may involve taking a detailed medical history, performing a physical examination, and ordering imaging tests such as a CT scan or MRI. Based on the results of these tests, our team can determine whether the patient is a good candidate for orbital fracture repair. Patients with a “white eye blowout” will require immediate surgical intervention. In general, surgery is recommended for patients who are in good health and are able to tolerate anesthesia and the surgical procedure itself.

What can I expect from the recovery process?

Recovery time can vary depending on the severity of the fracture, but most patients can expect to fully recover within a few weeks to a few months. During the recovery period, it is important to follow our instructions carefully to ensure proper healing.

Rest is a key component of recuperation, as it allows the body to focus its energy on repairing the damaged tissue. Patients may be advised to avoid strenuous activities, such as exercise or heavy lifting, for several weeks after their treatment. They may also need to sleep with their head elevated to reduce swelling.

In addition to rest, patients may be prescribed pain medication to manage discomfort during the recovery period. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to prevent infection. Follow-up appointments will be necessary to monitor healing and ensure that there are no complications.

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Experience state-of-the-art surgery in comfort at our Office-based Surgical Suite (OBS). Blending advanced technology with a tranquil environment, our OBS ensures the highest quality of care for a variety of procedures, all within a convenient office setting. Some patients may qualify for this advanced procedure at our state-of-the-art OBS suite.

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