Blow-out fracture of the orbital floor and significant entrapment of inferior rectus muscle

Case contributed by Shervin Sharifkashani
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Collision of an hard object to right side of the face and sudden right lower lid swelling and limitation of motion of the eye in upward gaze.

Patient Data

Age: 50 years
Gender: Male

There is a remarkably displaced fracture in the right orbit floor with inferior rectus muscle and orbital fat herniated and entrapped within the fracture gap. Note prominent right lower eyelid emphysema and some foci of emphysema in the inferior postseptal of the right orbital cavity. 

Case Discussion

The case illustrates the remarkable inferior rectus muscle entrapment within the fracture gap of the right orbit floor which can lead to muscle necrosis and is a kind of ophthalmology emergency. Another point is that the preseptal and postseptal orbital emphysema is usually seen in orbital medial wall blow-out fracture and orbital fat entrapment can also lead to enophthalmos and diplopia if untreated.

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.