Traumatic retrobulbar hemorrhage: emergent decompression by lateral canthotomy and cantholysis

J Emerg Med. 2002 Apr;22(3):251-6. doi: 10.1016/s0736-4679(01)00477-2.

Abstract

Traumatic retrobulbar hemorrhage may result in acute loss of vision that is reversible when recognized and treated promptly. A case of traumatic retrobulbar hemorrhage is presented. The technique of emergent orbital decompression by lateral canthotomy and cantholysis is described. The anatomy of the lateral canthus and the surgical procedure are illustrated by gross dissection.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Decompression, Surgical / methods*
  • Emergency Medicine / methods
  • Eye Injuries / complications
  • Eye Injuries / surgery*
  • Eyelids / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Retrobulbar Hemorrhage / complications
  • Retrobulbar Hemorrhage / surgery*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vision Disorders / etiology
  • Vision Disorders / surgery
  • Wounds, Nonpenetrating / complications
  • Wounds, Nonpenetrating / surgery*