Less common orbital fracture patterns: The role of computed tomography in the management of depression of the inferior oblique origin and lateral rectus involvement in blow-in fractures

During the past decade, advances in radiographic imaging have made it possible for the surgeon managing orbital fractures to adopt a rational therapeutic strategy based on a knowledge of alterations in surgical anatomy secondary to traumatic injury. To illustrate the value of computed tomography in the surgeon's armamentarium for management of orbital fractures, cases are presented in which imaging proved decisive in planning a course of therapy. Two patients presented with two types of isolated lateral blow-in fracture, an uncommon fracture pattern. The other cases underscore the value of defining involvement of the inferior oblique origin and lateral rectus muscles in imaging complex orbital fractures, issues not emphasized in earlier literature. Although diplopia alone does not always warrant surgical intervention, diplopia in the context of computed tomography-defined muscle entrapment or muscle origin displacement justifies operative therapy. These cases demonstrate the value of computed tomography in directing surgical therapy with resolution of diplopia and prevention and correction of enophthalmos.