Herniation of orbital fat through the inferior orbital fissure and into the infratemporal fossa: a cadaveric case report and review

Surg Radiol Anat. 2020 Sep;42(9):1119-1121. doi: 10.1007/s00276-020-02504-9. Epub 2020 May 29.

Abstract

Orbital fat herniation is primarily in a subconjunctival location. However, herniation through the inferior orbital fissure (IOF) has been scantly reported. Here, we report a cadaveric case of herniation of orbital fat through the inferior orbital fissure and into the infratemporal fossa. The cadaver's orbital anatomy and orbital fat herniation were found during routine dissection. The details of this case are reported. We also discuss anatomical variations of the inferior orbital fissure as well as the related vascular and nervous system structures related to orbital fat herniation. This is a rare case of a cadaver with this anatomical abnormality.

Keywords: Enophthalmos; Hernia; Inferior orbital fissure; Orbital fat; Orbital floor fracture; Posterior superior alveolar artery; Posterior superior alveolar nerve.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue / pathology*
  • Aged
  • Anatomic Variation*
  • Cadaver
  • Dissection
  • Hernia / diagnosis*
  • Hernia / etiology
  • Humans
  • Infratemporal Fossa / abnormalities*
  • Infratemporal Fossa / pathology
  • Male
  • Orbit / pathology*