Surgical approach in orbital blow-out fractures

Introduction: In a direct trauma to the eyeball, the orbital content is pressed against the surrounding walls and the transmission of this force can lead to bone fracture and herniation of the periorbital content to the maxillary sinus. Objective: This study aims to perform a bibliographic review on the surgical approach in orbital blow-out fractures. Methodology: A literary review was carried out by crossing the selected descriptors in electronic search between 2010 and 2020, found in the journals of the databases SCIELO, LILACS and MEDLINE. Discussion: The need for surgical treatment for orbital blow-out fractures is highly controversial since sequelae do not always present if these fractures are not surgically treated. General indications for surgical intervention include signs and symptoms such as diplopia, enophthalmia greater than 2-3 mm, exophthalmos, impaired eye mobility, association with fracture of the medial wall and evidence of entrapment of orbital tissue. After adequate surgical reconstruction of the fractured, displaced or destroyed orbital walls, prevention of complications is observed, allowing the majority of patients to have a relatively satisfactory. Conclusion: The need for surgical treatment for blow-out fractures is controversial, and the maxillofacial surgeon must be attentive to the indications of surgical therapy.