[Clinical study of decompression of optic nerve through combined orbit, ethmoid and sphenoid approach]

Abstract

Objective: To improve the level of diagnosis and treatment of optic nerve trauma at the canalicular segment.

Method: Fifty-two patients with optic nerve trauma at the canalicular segment received decompression of optic canal through combined orbit, ethmoid and sphenoid approach.

Result: The visual improvement rate of all 52 patients was 42.3%, 73.9% in 23 patients with secondary optic trauma and 17.2% in 29 patients with primary optic trauma. Patients's vision covered from 0.05 to 0.6 after six months.

Conclusion: The advantages of decompression of optic nerve through combined orbit, ethmoid and sphenoid approach include easily operation and location, short approach, wide visual field and clear anatomy mark, so it is very safe and suited for those patients with dysplasia and osteosclerosis of ethmoidal or sphenoidal sinus. Orbital CT scan facilitates the diagnosis of optic canal fracture without false positive results. The curative effect is associated with the type of optic nerve trauma and the chance of surgery. Amaurosis shortly after trauma is a dangerous factor of poor prognosis, but it isn't impossible to improve vision if patients receive operation as early as possible.