Purpose of review: The aim of this study was to summarize current evidence on the clinical presentation, evaluation, and management of pediatric orbital fractures. Recent trends in management strategies as well as emerging surgical techniques for pediatric orbital fracture repair are presented.
Recent findings: Although somewhat limited, growing bodies of evidence support a conservative approach with close follow up in pediatric orbital fractures. For those patients necessitating surgical repair, resorbable implants are increasingly preferred given their lack of donor site morbidity and a minimal impact on the developing craniofacial skeleton. There are emerging data reporting the use of three-dimensional (3D) printing-assisted approaches and intraoperative navigation; however, more research is needed to assess their applicability in the pediatric population.
Summary: There are few studies with large patient cohorts and long-term follow up given the rare incidence of pediatric orbital fractures, which restricts the generalizability of research on the topic. The studies available increasingly suggest that fractures without clinical evidence of entrapment can be managed conservatively with close follow up. A variety of reconstructive implants are available for those fractures necessitating repair. Donor site morbidity, availability, and need for additional procedures should all be factored into the reconstructive decision-making process.
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