Our Summary

This study aimed to find out if a commonly performed sinus surgery could change the patterns of fractures in the orbital wall (the bones surrounding the eye) and the amount of force needed to cause these fractures. The researchers used six cadaver heads, performing the sinus surgery on one side and leaving the other side as a control. They then simulated normal eye pressure and confirmed that no fractures were present before testing. They then caused trauma to both orbits (eye sockets) using a weight drop technique, repeating with higher drops until both sides showed a fracture on a CT scan.

The results showed that the side where the surgery was performed always had a specific kind of fracture (medial orbital wall fracture), while the control side had a different kind of fracture (orbital floor fractures). The fractures on the control side occurred at drop heights equal to, or greater than, the surgery side. This suggests that the structures removed during sinus surgery might act as a support for the medial orbital wall, and that the changes made during the surgery could alter the mechanics of the orbit, affecting how and where fractures occur after trauma.

FAQs

  1. Can sinus surgery change the patterns of fractures in the orbital wall?
  2. Does sinus surgery affect the amount of force needed to cause fractures in the bones surrounding the eye?
  3. How could the changes made during sinus surgery alter the mechanics of the orbit and affect how and where fractures occur after trauma?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about sinus surgery is to be aware of the potential risks, including changes in the patterns of fractures in the orbital wall. It is important to discuss these risks with your surgeon and follow their post-operative care instructions carefully to minimize the risk of complications. If you experience any unusual symptoms or changes in vision after sinus surgery, be sure to contact your doctor immediately.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended sinus surgery include those with chronic sinusitis that has not responded to other treatments, nasal polyps, sinus tumors, structural abnormalities in the sinuses, or severe sinus infections. Sinus surgery may also be recommended for patients with recurrent sinus infections, sinus headaches, or difficulty breathing through the nose.

Timeline

Before sinus surgery, a patient typically experiences symptoms such as chronic sinusitis, nasal congestion, facial pain, and pressure. They may have tried various treatments such as antibiotics, nasal sprays, and decongestants without much relief. After consulting with an ENT specialist, the patient undergoes a thorough evaluation, including imaging studies like CT scans, to determine the extent of their sinus issues.

Once a decision is made to proceed with sinus surgery, the patient will undergo pre-operative preparations such as blood work, medication adjustments, and instructions on how to prepare for the procedure. The surgery itself is usually performed under general anesthesia and involves the removal of obstructive tissue or the opening of blocked sinus passages.

After sinus surgery, the patient can expect some discomfort, swelling, and congestion in the nose and sinuses. Pain medication and nasal sprays are often prescribed to help manage these symptoms. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon are scheduled to monitor healing and ensure the success of the procedure. Over time, the patient should experience improvements in their sinus symptoms, such as reduced congestion, improved breathing, and decreased facial pain and pressure.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific type of sinus surgery are you recommending for me?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?
  3. How will the surgery affect the structures surrounding my eye, such as the orbital wall?
  4. Will the surgery increase my risk of orbital fractures in the event of trauma?
  5. Are there any alternative treatment options available for my sinus issues?
  6. What is the expected recovery time and outcome of the surgery?
  7. How experienced are you in performing this type of sinus surgery?
  8. Can you provide me with any patient testimonials or success stories related to this surgery?
  9. Will I need any additional procedures or treatments following the sinus surgery?
  10. How can I best prepare for the surgery and ensure a smooth recovery process?

Reference

Authors: Sowerby LJ, Harris MS, Joshi R, Johnson M, Jenkyn T, Moore CC. Journal: J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2020 Jun 26;49(1):44. doi: 10.1186/s40463-020-00442-5. PMID: 32586389