[Decompression of the optic nerve through the trans-ethmoid-sphenoidal approach in orbital injuries. Technic and results apropos of a new series]

Abstract

An orbital injury can be responsible for compressing the optic nerve in the optic canal. This compression leads to a syndrome of physiological division with homo-lateral blindness and absence of pupillary reaction of light during stimulation of the injured eye, whereas the light reflex is present with contralateral stimulation. Computed tomography studies show the compression site directly: optic canal fracture, or indirectly: hematoma of posterior ethmoidal cells and sphenoidal sinus, fracture of the posterior part of the orbit. This type of injury can be improved by surgical decompression of the optic nerve via a trans-ethmoid-sphenoidal approach. The surgical technique will be first described. Then, the authors will report a series of 13 cases. In 6 cases, surgical decompression allowed recovery of visual acuity. The authors emphasize the uncomplicated post-operative course. Indeed, no complication was recorded and the hospitalization time was very short.