Current management of inferior orbital wall fractures in children

Abstract

Adult treatment algorithms are often not ideal for the management of orbital fractures in children in major part due to differences in the maturing status of craniofacial structures. A multidisciplinary approach that utilizes imaging studies, an awareness of occult extraocular muscle entrapment, and an emphasis on the findings on physical examination should be used to diagnose and to treat pediatric orbital floor fractures. These injuries can be grouped into two categories based on the status of inferior extraocular muscles: entrapped or "trapdoor" floor fractures and non-entrapped orbital floor fractures. The former requires earlier intervention.