Traumatic Orbital Apex Syndrome: An Uncommon Sequela of Facial Trauma

Abstract

Orbital apex syndrome (OAS) is a rare ocular complication following craniomaxillofacial trauma. This traumatic syndrome is a combination of features seen in both superior orbital fissure syndrome and traumatic orbital neuropathy due to nerve impingement. Due in part to the rarity of this disorder, the optimal treatment of traumatic OAS has yet to be determined. We present a case in which traumatic OAS was caused by direct compression due to a displaced fracture segment from the superior orbit. The patient was successfully treated with a combination of emergent decompression and urgent reconstruction suggesting that this may be an effective strategy in OAS resulting from direct nerve compression as a result of craniomaxillofacial fracture.