[Emergency treatment of post-traumatic orbital emphysema: a case report].

PURPOSE: Orbital emphysema is a common complication of orbital wall fractures (50% of blow-out fractures). It is generally a benign and self-limited condition. However, it may compromise retinal and optic nerve vascularization and therefore requires rapid management.

PATIENT AND METHOD: We report a case of traumatic orbital emphysema resulting in ischemic optic neuritis. The orbital emphysema was drained using a 25-gauge needle mounted on a syringe filled with normal saline, with the plunger removed, and guided by air bubble eruption.

RESULTS

Vision was promptly recovered following drainage of the orbital emphysema.

CONCLUSION

The development of orbital emphysema after an orbital fracture is a consequence of a forceful expiratory effort raising intranasal pressure. It must be drained, as described, in cases of vascular compression.