Delayed onset enophthalmos and hypoglobus mimicking silent sinus syndrome following midface trauma

Abstract

Craniomaxillofacial trauma is primarily diagnosed and managed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Among the cases encountered, midface fractures involving orbital walls are highly prevalent. In these fractures, involvement of the orbital walls, particularly floor of the orbit, can lead to considerable aesthetic and functional limitations. From a maxillofacial perspective, indications for surgical repair of orbital floor encompass marked decrease in ocular motility, fracture affecting more than 50% of surface area, an increase in orbital volume exceeding 18% and enophthalmos greater than 2 mm. In the absence of these discernible signs, surgical intervention is not generally indicated. However, in this case, an early adolescent with a history of midface trauma and minimal orbital floor fracture 8 months earlier presented with progressively delayed onset enophthalmos and hypoglobus closely resembling features of silent sinus syndrome. The enophthalmos and hypoglobus were corrected by placing custom-made non-resorbable high-density polyethylene implant in the orbital floor. Postoperative follow-up demonstrated aesthetically and functionally satisfactory outcomes.

Keywords: Ear, nose and throat; Oral and maxillofacial surgery.