Update on orbital trauma.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To evaluate the recent developments in the evaluation and treatment of orbital trauma from April 2003 to March 2004. The scope of orbital trauma included a MEDLINE search under the keywords of zygoma and orbital fracture, and traumatic optic neuropathy.

RECENT FINDINGS: Preoperative volume assessment with computed tomography of orbital fractures can help surgical planning of volume replacement. Ultrasonography can visualize anterior orbital fractures, including rim and zygoma trauma. Orbital trauma has a high incidence of concurrent ocular trauma. Fractures in the presence of the oculocardiac reflex, persistence nausea/vomiting, or entrapped soft tissue require urgent repair. Endoscopic-assisted repair of orbital fractures offers an alternative approach to orbital fracture repair.

SUMMARY: Advances in ultrasonography and computed tomography allow better visualization of orbital fractures for better preoperative evaluation and intraoperative repair. Progress in endoscopic techniques offers alternatives in orbital fracture repair. New materials allow for options in orbital reconstruction. Unfortunately, few advances in the management of traumatic optic neuropathy were found in this review.