ABSTRACT
Orbital trauma is common, the orbit being involved to some extent in approximately 40% of all blunt facial injuries. However, there is a second group, in which a fracture of one or more of the orbital walls occurs with the outer orbital frame intact. Often described as 'blow out fractures', it is perhaps more accurate to describe this second group as isolated wall or floor fractures. Accurate assessment combined with meticulous attention to detail during the planning and operative procedure is essential to prevent or minimize poor outcomes. Examination proceeds with palpation of the outer orbital frame, following which eye movements are carefully assessed in the nine cardinal positions of gaze carefully documenting the presence of diplopia in any of these positions. Orbital trauma should ideally be managed jointly with ophthalmic surgeons and an important component is preoperative orthoptic assessment.
