Orbital Hemorrhage and Compressive Optic Neuropathy in Patients With Midfacial Fractures Receiving Low-Molecular Weight Heparin Therapy

While the implementation of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis in the hospital setting is a major concern, the use of antithrombotic agents is fraught with a variety of hemorrhagic complications. Due to increasing reports of adverse reactions to unfractionated heparin (UFH), several manufacturers have initiated product recalls. As a result, the use of low-molecular weight heparins (LMWHs) such as enoxaparin has risen substantially. In this paper, 2 orbital hemorrhagic complications in patients receiving enoxaparin therapy will be presented. The incidence of DVT in the OMS patient, recent prophylactic strategies, and their effectiveness will be reviewed.