Biomechanical mechanisms of orbital wall fractures - a transient finite element analysis.

As the biomechanical mechanisms of orbital wall fractures are still under research, three different fracture mechanisms were tested in a finite element based investigation. In contrast to earlier studies, a finer skeletal model and a transient dynamic simulation were used to test pure hydraulic, pure buckling and a mixed force transmission. Results showed that each set-up led to different orbital fracture patterns, which correlate well with clinical findings. Therefore the conclusion is that different mechanisms may act together explaining the variety of clinical fracture situations. Biomechanical testing has proven to be appropriate in answering questions regarding fracture mechanisms.