Using Computed Tomography: Predictive Factors for Recovery Time in Patients with Orbital Fracture with Diplopia

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To identify predictive factors for recovery time in patients with orbital fracture with diplopia through analysis of preoperative and postoperative computed tomography (CT) images and postoperative recovery time. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed CT findings-preoperative fracture size, type of fracture, fracture site, extraocular muscle (EOM) swelling, EOM and soft tissue injury, and the amount of soft tissue herniation; post-operative degree of enophthalmos, and diplopia recovery period in 379 patients who underwent surgical treatment for orbital fracture between March 2006 and December 2015. RESULTS: The average postoperative follow-up period was 556.2 ± 59.5 days, and the mean duration of recovery was 23.9 ± 42.5 (range, 3–186) days. The recovery time of diplopia was significantly increased with the following preoperative CT findings: fracture size (small and medium < large) (p = 0.049), type of fracture (linear < hinge < comminuted, trap-door) (p < 0.01), fracture site (inferior < medial and both) (p < 0.01), EOM and soft tissue injury (prolapse and torsion, muscle entrapment, kinked muscle) (p < 0.01), and the amount of soft tissue herniation (small and medium < large) (p < 0.001). The mechanism of injury, sex, age, and the degree of enophthalmos were not related to the length of the diplopia recovery period. CONCLUSIONS: The length of diplopia recovery could be predicted by CT findings.