Orbital Floor Fracture following Nose Blowing

Abstract

A 70-year-old woman with an upper respiratory infection sustained an orbital floor fracture after vigorous nose blowing. The injury was complicated by orbital emphysema and cellulitis. CT scanning confirmed orbital floor fracture and associated orbital soft tissue herniation into the maxillary antrum. A follow-up sinus endoscopy three months later showed a healed periosteum and mucosa, but continued orbital herniation. As the patient's symptoms had largely resolved, repair was averted. Follow-up after nine months showed no recurrence of orbital swelling. The case presented illustrates a rare complication of vigorous nose blowing, coupled with thinning of the sinus walls seen in aging.