Brown's syndrome diagnosed following repair of an orbital roof fracture: a case report

Abstract

The upgaze deficit of Brown's syndrome differs from the upgaze deficit of an orbital floor fracture with entrapment. In Brown's syndrome, the upgaze limitation is most evident in adduction of the eye. This difference may be difficult to establish at times, particularly beneath the periorbital edema of an acute traumatic injury. Nevertheless, it is important to recognize this differentiation, since the approach to management of these two clinical entities is distinctly dissimilar. Brown's syndrome is produced by restriction of the superior oblique muscle tendon, usually in the region of the trochlea. In the course of describing a case of Brown's syndrome, recognized following the repair of an orbital roof fracture, issues related to etiology, diagnosis, and management are discussed. In the case presented, surgical repair of the left eye was performed.