ABSTRACT
Objective To compare curative effect of decompression and conservative treatment for traumatic superior orbital fissure syndrome to discuss the operation indications and the operative oppor-tunity for this syndrome. Methods Data of 12 patients (seven males and five females) with 14 sides were compared to evaluate different curative effect between decompression and conservative treatment so as to optimize the initial corresponding treatment. Results The patients were at mean age of 28 years and followed up for mean six months. All patients were complicated by one and more of following symptoms in-cluding ophthalmoplegia, ptosis, proptosis and anaesthesia in the distribution of V1 and a fixed dilated pupil. There was one patient complicated by orbital apex syndrome. CT showed involvement of the superi-or orbital fissure in seven patients. Of seven patients treated with decompression, six got recovery at dif-ferent degrees. Meanwhile, three out of five patients treated with conservative treatment recovered to some extent. Conclusions Early effective treatment can improve the functional rehabilitation of the injured nerve. Decompression of superior orbital fissure is proved to be effective in ameliorating symptome, re-ducing disability and improving quality of life.