A retrospective study of the correlation of findings observed during surgery and the computed tomography findings in patients undergoing orbital fracture repair

Today, fractures of the orbital bones surrounding the globe following facial trauma are among the most common clinical presentations. Depending on the severity of the trauma, orbital fractures may cause functional damage such as vision loss, globe rupture, diplopia, eye movement restriction and cosmetic problems such as enophthalmos and dystopia. The gold standard method for radiologic evaluation of orbital fractures is Computed Tomography (CT). The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between the data obtained during the surgical operation and CT findings in patients undergoing orbital fracture repair. The secondary aim of the study was to investigate the epidemiology of patients with orbital fractures as well as additional pathologies and surgical requirements. The demographic and clinical data of 73 orbits of 71 patients and the correlation between surgical findings and CT images of 48 orbits of 47 patients were analyzed. The highest correlation with respect to the fracture site was found in the orbital floor and outer wall (91,7%) when the surgical findings of orbital fractures were compared with the radiologic data. In terms of the fractured bone, the highest correlation rate (95,8%) was found in the zygomatic bone and extra-orbital cranial bone. No correlation was observed in lacrimal bone (p = 0,064). Porous polyethylene implants were used in 72 of 73 orbits (98,6%) during the surgical procedure. Fixation of orbital bones was most commonly performed on the outer wall. The most frequent surgical route was the inferior transconjunctival route in 73 orbits (n = 52). In addition to orbital surgery, full-thickness eyelid defect repair was most commonly performed (9,6%). These results suggest that radiologic findings at the floor and outer wall of the orbit are more instructive than those at the inner wall. CT imaging is indispensable to detect orbital fracture and to decide for repair. In conclusion, with the advancing technology, detailed evaluation of CT findings will guide the clinician.