Correlation of Clinical Findings With Computed Tomography in Orbital Traumas

Abstract

Background: Although the eye is a well-protected organ, it is frequently affected by trauma. The timely detection of ocular injuries is extremely important. In this study, the authors evaluated the consistency between findings in computed tomography (CT) examination for orbital fractures and globe integrity and clinical findings in patients presenting to the emergency department due to orbital trauma. Methods: The authors retrospectively reviewed the files of patients presenting with orbital trauma between January 2015 and January 2018 from emergency department records. Ophthalmology consultation and follow-up notes, radiology reports, and the emergency physician's notes were reviewed. Results: During the study period, 286 patients presented to the emergency department with orbital trauma. A total of 119 eyes of 83 patients who underwent orbital CT were included in the study. Orbital bone fracture was detected in 54.6% (n = 65) of the eyes. Of these, 73.8% (n = 48) involved multiple fractures. Among all eyes, the distribution of fractures in the orbital walls was lateral wall in 41.2% (n = 49), floor in 32.8% (n = 39), medial wall in 31.1% (n = 37), and roof in 10.9% (n = 13). Multiple wall fractures were detected in 36.9% (n = 44) of the eyes. At least 1 clinical finding such as diplopia, laceration, abnormal pupillary response, hypoesthesia, and exophthalmos was observed in 47.1% (n = 56) of the eyes. This rate was 56.8% among eyes with orbital fractures and 35.2% in those without fracture. There was a statistically significant relationship between floor fractures and diplopia (P = 0.002). No significant correlations were found between the other radiological and clinical findings. Conclusion: Our study revealed a relationship between the presence of orbital fracture and eye damage. In particular, the authors found that the frequency of diplopia was significantly higher in eyes with maxillary bone fracture in the orbital floor. However, orbital CT findings other than bone fracture were not consistent with clinical findings.

Travmatik orbital amfizem olgularında klinik ve radyolojik özellikler

“…A statistically significant relationship between basal fractures and diplopia was also present in our previous study (p= 0.002). However, there was no significant relationship between other radiological and clinical findings [17].…”

Integration of ophthalmology in ocular trauma to improve patient care: A narrative review

“…7,9,19,20 To combat the complexity of trauma, medical imaging has become an integral aspect in the assessment of ocular trauma. 16,21 Computerised tomography (CT) scans and ultrasonography are invaluable resources for providing information in the acute setting as they can pinpoint sightthreatening injuries such as foreign bodies, orbital fractures and retro-bulbar haematoma. 21 However, in circumstances of suspected globe rupture or penetrating eye injury, US is contraindicated and CT should be utilised as the pressure applied to the orbit may worsen the injury.…”