Effectiveness of ultrasonography in determining medial and lateral orbital wall fractures with a curved-array scanner

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of ultrasonography to determine medial and lateral orbital wall fractures.

Materials and methods: Sixty-two patients with the clinical diagnosis of an orbital trauma underwent coronal computed tomography (CCT) and ultrasonographic investigation (US). Inclusion criteria were clinically suspected orbital injuries defined by reduced bulbus motility, diplopia, or additional traumatic injuries of the orbit or the globe. US and CCT were used as imaging diagnostic methods.

Results: Ultrasonography showed a sensitivity of 56%, a specificity of 95%, and an accuracy of 88% at the medial orbital rim. Regarding the lateral orbital rim, ultrasonography showed a sensitivity of 92%, a specificity of 88%, and an accuracy of 90% using CCT as a reference method.

Conclusion: Ultrasonography with a curved-array scanner seems to be a valuable method in the detection of lateral orbital wall fractures. Further studies have to be done to improve sensitivity in the interpretation of medial orbital wall fractures.