Blow out fractures are a type of facial fracture that specifically affect the bones surrounding the eye socket, known as the orbit. They are commonly caused by a severe trauma or direct impact to the area, such as a blow to the face or eye. The term "blow out" refers to the fracture occurring when the force of impact is transferred to the orbital bones, causing them to break or fracture under the pressure.
These fractures typically involve the thin and delicate bones comprising the floor or walls of the orbit, including the maxillary, zygomatic, or ethmoid bones. Due to the nature of the eye socket's anatomy, the force is often distributed through the weakest part of the orbit, leading to fractures in the orbital floor or medial wall.
Symptoms of blow out fractures may include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving the eye. They can also result in double vision, as the orbital tissues may press against the muscles or nerves responsible for eye movement. In severe cases, blow out fractures can cause the eye to sink back into the socket, leading to enophthalmos, or a sunken appearance of the eyeball.
Treatment for blow out fractures often involves surgical intervention to repair the fractured bones and restore the normal position of the eye. This may involve the use of plates, screws, or mesh to stabilize the bones and reconstruct the orbital walls or floor.
Prompt medical attention is crucial for blow out fractures, as delayed treatment can lead to long-term complications like visual disturbances, chronic muscle imbalance, or permanent deformity of the eye socket.
