Endoscopic endonasal reduction of blowout fractures of the orbital floor

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to document the usefulness of the endoscopic endonasal approach as a surgical treatment of isolated blowout fractures of the orbital floor.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study.

SETTING: Between 1997 and 2003, using only an endonasal endoscopic surgical approach, we operated on 62 patients complaining of diplopia due to isolated blowout fractures of the orbital floor. In order to perform the endonasal reduction surgery, supplemental septoplasty and/or submucous conchotomy were done. Immediately following the reduction and the fixation, eye traction tests were performed to confirm the ocular motility improvement. Tampon gauzes or balloon catheters were used for the temporal fixation to support the orbital floor.

RESULTS: Postoperatively, diplopia completely disappeared in 55 of the 62 patients (88.7%) that were followed over 6 months.

CONCLUSION: The high success rate with regard to diplopia indicates that the endoscopic endonasal approach may be an alternative to extranasal methods.

EBM RATING: B-3.