Which statement correctly defines a 'pure' blowout fracture of the orbit?

• A Fracture limited to the orbital roof
• B Fracture involving the orbital rim along with the floor
• C Any orbital fracture associated with globe rupture
• D Fracture of the orbital floor or medial wall with an intact orbital rim ✓

Explanation

D pure blowout fracture involves the orbital floor or the medial wall (lamina papyracea) with an intact orbital rim, produced by hydraulic transmission of force through the globe. When the fracture line extends to involve the inferior or medial orbital rim, it is classified as an impure blowout. Globe rupture is an associated soft tissue injury and has no bearing on this classification.

Reference: Dhingra, Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 8th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.