The orbit is also known as the eye socket. It is the box where the eyeball sits. A fracture of the eye socket occurs when there is trauma to the eye socket resulting in a fracture of the bone of the eye socket. 

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What are the most common orbital fractures that Dr Thiagarajah treats?

 

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There are two orbital fractures that Dr Thiagarajah treats the most: Orbital floor and Orbital medial wall fractures. 

 

When does Dr T  perform a orbital fracture repair?

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Dr T repairs orbital fractures for three reasons: 1. Double vision 2. Fractures with entrapment of muscle 3. Enophthalmos or sinking in of the eye. Each case is different and Dr Thiagarajah discusses the risks of the procedure with each patient along with the potential benefits. Not all fractures need to be fixed and some patients do well if their fracture is not repaired.  It is important to bring your scan to the appointment so Dr Thiagarajah can review the orbital fracture on the CT scan CD.

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How long does Orbital Fracture Surgery take?

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Orbital surgery takes roughly 1 to 2 hours to perform.  It is an outpatient procedure and patients go home that day. INormally for orbital fracture surgery  patients are able to go home the same day. 

 

Do I need someone to be with me for my Orbital Surgery?

 

In short, yes. Orbital fracture surgery is performed under general anesthesia. As a result, you will need someone to bring you and take you home. 

 

What are the risks of  Orbital  Fracture Surgery?

 

The biggest risk of orbital surgery is vision loss or double vision. Additionally, there are the risks of bleeding,scarring, infection, need for more surgery and problems with the implant if one is used. 

 

When can I resume normal activities after Orbital Fracture Surgery?

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Most patients can resume normal activities roughly 2 weeks after orbital surgery.  Orbital fracture surgery patients should not engage in contact sports for 6 weeks after surgery. Patient should not blow their nose after surgery as the stent that is placed during surgery can be dislodged. The biggest risk of orbital surgery is bleeding behind the eye that causes vision loss. This can be induced through exercise or heavy lifting or bending which should not be done for two weeks after surgery.

 

When do the stitches come out after Orbital Fracture Surgery?

 

Stitches after Orbital Surgery are dissolvable and do not need to be removed. 

 

 

 

 

 

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