Closed head injury combined with orbital blowout fracture and displacement of the eyeball into the maxillary sinus in a 14-year-old boy: a case report

BMC Ophthalmol. 2024 Apr 3;24(1):146. doi: 10.1186/s12886-024-03421-w.

Abstract

Background: Trauma-induced orbital blowout fracture (OBF) with eyeball displacement into the maxillary sinus is rare.

Case presentation: We present the case of a 14-year-old with a closed head injury, OBF, and displacement of the eyeball into the maxillary sinus following a car accident. A prompt transconjunctival access surgery was performed for eyeball repositioning and orbital reconstruction in a single session, mitigating anaesthesia-related risks associated with multiple surgeries. At the 12-month follow-up, his visual acuity was 20/200. Despite limited eye movement and optic nerve atrophy, overall satisfaction with the ocular appearance was achieved.

Conclusions: This report offers novel insights into the mechanisms of OBF occurrence and the development of postoperative complications.

Keywords: Case report; Displacement of the eyeball; Maxillary sinus; Orbital blowout fracture; Teenager.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Eye
  • Head Injuries, Closed* / complications
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Maxillary Sinus
  • Ocular Motility Disorders*
  • Orbital Fractures* / complications
  • Orbital Fractures* / diagnosis
  • Orbital Fractures* / surgery