[New therapeutic concepts in fractures of the bony orbits and zygoma].

The causes, types and degrees of zygoma fracture and fractures of the orbital floor and the orbital rim are described in general. The preoperative clinical signs, as seen from the viewpoints of the oto-rhino-laryngologist, the ophthalmologist, and the maxillofacial surgeon, combined with exact x-ray or computer tomograms, determine the timing of the action to be taken by the specialist. Endoscopy of the nose and the maxillary sinus by removing blood clots with an aspirator is of diagnostic as well as therapeutic value. The pros and cons of the different operation techniques are discussed. In blow-out fractures which need a reinforcement of the orbital floor, advantages and disadvantages of several autoplastic, and alloplastic materials are compared. Wire fixation technique is described along with the indication for miniplate osteosynthesis and the support by a balloon catheter. Own results using the ballon catheter emphasise the successful and risk-free technique.