[Clinical and anatomopathologic classification of fractures of the orbit].

One hundred forty-four orbital fractures treated between 1982 and 1987 were examined with special attention to the specific anatomic architecture and biomechanical aspects of the craniofacial skeleton. The following parameters were examined: lesion mechanism, the bony lesion observed at surgery, clinical signs of fracture and morphological, functional and esthetic sequellae. All operated patients had undergone an ophthalmological examination prior to surgery, with special attention on binocular vision and ocular motility. Fractures were classified into pathological groups according to the parameters studied. For each group, clinical signs and accompanying sequellae were described. Seven clinical and pathological groups of orbital fractures were described, each with its specific mechanism of trauma, bony lesions, clinical signs, sequellae and appropriate treatment.