Ultrasound imaging in assessment of fractures of the orbital floor.

Twenty patients who had sustained facial trauma with clinical evidence of an orbital floor fracture were examined by ultrasound in a blinded prospective study to assess the utility of ultrasound in the diagnosis of orbital floor fractures. Ultrasound detected the presence of an orbital floor fracture with an overall accuracy of 86% and a sensitivity of 85% compared with computed tomography (CT) or direct surgical exploration of the orbital floor. This is lower than that quoted in previous reports. Although less sensitive than CT in the detection of orbital floor fractures, the technique appears useful as an adjunct to physical examination in the assessment of patients with facial trauma where an orbital floor fracture is suspected. The technique may also be useful in cases of coexistent cervical spine trauma or in assessment of uncooperative patients where CT is impracticable.