Endonasal Endoscopic Reduction of Blowout Fractures of the Medial Orbital Walls / 대한이비인후과학회지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Until recently, blowout fractures (BOFs) of the medial orbital walls were treated using external approach. With recent advances in endoscopy, many cases of BOFs of the medial orbital walls are now treated endonasaly using an endoscope. This article describes endonasal endoscopic reduction (EER) of BOFs of the medial orbital walls and reports the clinical results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve patients with BOFs of the medial orbital walls underwent EER. Their records were reviewed for surgical indications, operative techniques, operative results, and postoperative complications. RESULTS: Surgical indications were persistent diplopia, limitation of eye movement, and significant enophthalmos. Ten patients showed complete resolution of symptoms after the operation. One patient underwent medial wall reconstruction with transorbital approach after failure of EER, and is now free of symptoms. Another patient with both zygomatic fracture and BOF of the orbital floor remained enophthalmic after EER. There were no other significant complications postoperatively. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that EER is a safe and effective method of treating BOFs of the medial orbital walls.