Lateral orbitotomy: a useful technique in the management of severe traumatic disruption of the lateral orbital skeleton

Lateral orbitotomy is a well-recognized method of improving orbital access for the removal of orbital tumours and foreign bodies, and has been used in orbital decompression in dysthyroid eye disease. The technique has received less attention in the management of orbital trauma. Lateral orbitotomy is useful in the management of selected cases of orbital trauma, in particular severe disruption of the lateral orbit requiring extensive dissection in the region of the superior orbital fissure. It is used in patients with globe rupture, with lateral orbital disruption, in helping to reduce the amount of globe retraction when the lateral orbital fractures are reduced and fixed.