Isolated medial orbital wall fractures with medial rectus muscle incarceration.

PURPOSE: To retrospectively review and analyze cases of isolated medial orbital wall fractures with medial rectus muscle incarceration presenting to a tertiary ophthalmic plastic surgery practice from 1997 to 2005.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review and literature review.

RESULTS

Nine cases of isolated medial wall fracture with medial rectus muscle incarceration are presented. The most frequently encountered clinical feature was adduction deficit on the affected side. Extraocular motility improved in all patients who underwent surgery, and mean postoperative enophthalmos was minimal.

CONCLUSIONS

Isolated medial orbital wall fractures with medial rectus muscle incarceration are rare. Ocular motility abnormalities were the only indication of underlying fracture in the majority of our cases. Clinicians should be alerted to the anticipated presentation of medial wall fractures with incarceration of the medial rectus muscle, including the possibility of a "white eye" and normal abduction of the traumatized eye.