Orbital fracture due to high-pressure air injection

J Craniofac Surg. 2011 Jul;22(4):1506-7. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0b013e31821d4c3a.

Abstract

We present a case of orbital fracture associated with emphysema and pneumocephalus caused by a high-pressured air injection in the eyeball. A 49-year-old man injured his right eye while working with a high-pressure (compressed) air jet in a workshop. The periorbital area was swollen and ecchymotic. The bulbar conjunctiva sustained multiple lacerations around the pupil: 9 mm at 12 o'clock in direction, 6 mm at 3, 8 mm at 6, and 6 mm at 9, respectively. Computed tomography showed crisp emphysema around the right orbit, and a fracture of the medial wall of the orbit. Free air was also seen near the basal cistern and sylvian fissure, indicating a pneumocephalus. Our case proved a high pneumatic pressure could induce a fracture of the medial wall of the orbit. Green et al (Ophthal Plast Reconstr Surg 1990;6:211-217) suggested that a consistent force of more than 2.08 J is enough to inflict injury on the orbital wall.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Accidents, Occupational*
  • Compressed Air / adverse effects*
  • Conjunctiva / injuries
  • Ecchymosis / etiology
  • Emphysema / etiology
  • Eye Injuries / etiology
  • Humans
  • Lacerations / etiology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Orbital Diseases / etiology
  • Orbital Fractures / etiology*
  • Pneumocephalus / etiology
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed