Assessing traumatic orbital injuries is an important challenge for radiologists; this assessment is even more difficult when the orbital injury is associated with injuries involving multiple organs. Common posttraumatic orbital injuries include anterior chamber injuries, injuries to the lens, open-globe injuries, ocular detachments, intraorbital foreign bodies, carotid cavernous fistula, and optic nerve injuries. Radiographic examination of the orbits is rarely performed. Ultrasonography (US) can be very useful for evaluating the globe and its contents; however, US is contraindicated if a ruptured globe is suspected. Magnetic resonance imaging may be difficult to perform emergently; it is contraindicated if there is a possibility that a metallic intraorbital foreign body is present. Computed tomography (CT) is considered to be the top choice for evaluating orbital trauma. The best protocol is to obtain thin-section axial CT scans, then to perform multiplanar reformation. When evaluating a patient with an orbital injury, the radiologist should do the following: (a) evaluate the bony orbit for fractures, note any herniations of orbital contents, and pay particular attention to the orbital apex; (b) evaluate the anterior chamber; (c) evaluate the position of the lens (the lens may be displaced, and it may be either completely or partially dislocated); (d) evaluate the posterior segment of the globe, look for bleeds or abnormal fluid collections, and evaluate for radiopaque or radiolucent foreign bodies; and (e) evaluate the ophthalmic veins and the optic nerve complex, especially the orbital apex.

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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a medical diagnostic procedure which requires a patient to be placed supine into the cylindrical bore of a powerful magnet for approximately one hour. The patient's arms are usually against the sides of the magnet bore with a 3" to 10" space between the patient's face and the top of the magnet bore. This enclosure induces panic and claustrophobic responses in 1% to 10% of the patients undergoing the MRI procedure. There have been many failed diagnostic studies due to patient intolerance, and there are reports of procedure-induced claustrophobia. We describe the hypnotic procedure utilized to reduce anxiety and panic for successful completion of MRI scans. Medical hypnosis has been an effective intervention in ten patients, permitting completion of their diagnostic procedure.

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