Role of Inferior Orbital Wall Morphologic Properties in Isolated Orbital Blow-Out Fracture

Abstract

Purpose: To compare inferior orbital wall morphology between isolated inferior and medial orbital wall fracture patients. Methods: The morphologic properties of patients with isolated blow-out fractures involving the medial wall or inferior wall treated from August 2004 to August 2009 were reviewed. The cross-sectional area, thickness, gradient, and curvature of the inferior wall were measured via orbital CT in the opposite non-traumatized eye. Results: Patients with isolated inferior wall fractures (n = 77) and isolated medial wall fractures (n = 78) evidenced no differences in sex, age, etiology of trauma, laterality of trauma, and associated concomitant intraocular injuries. The cross-sectional area, thickness, and gradient of the inferior wall did not differ significantly between the 2 groups. However, the coefficient of curvature was significantly greater in patients with inferior wall fracture than in patients with medial wall fracture (0.016 ± 0.006 vs. 0.006 ± 0.002, respectively; p = 0.000). Conclusion: Patients with more convex and steep inferior walls are more likely to incur isolated inferior wall fractures than isolated medial wall fractures.