An analysis of 3599 midfacial and 1141 orbital blowout fractures among 4426 United States Army Soldiers, 1980-2000

Abstract

Objective: We sought to present the epidemiology associated with 3599 midfacial and 1141 orbital blowout fractures.

Study design and setting: We conducted a multicenter, 20-year retrospective analysis of hospitalization data on U.S. Army active duty soldiers.

Results: Men composed 96% of the patients, with men aged 20 to 29 years the most affected. Of midfacial and blowout fractures, 54.8% and 70.2% occurred with concomitant injury, with 36.2% and 50.9% sustaining other facial fractures, respectively. Three hundred forty orbital blowout fractures (29.8%) had an associated eye injury. Common mechanisms included fighting and motor vehicle accidents.

Conclusions: Young men comprised the most susceptible population, and assault was the predominant mechanism. A high incidence of concomitant injury in midfacial and orbital blowout fractures, particularly ocular and intracranial injury, emphasizes the importance of a thorough physical examination.

Significance: We report the results from one of the largest series of midfacial and orbital floor blowout fractures from a population that crosses urban, rural, and foreign boundaries.