Orbital floor fractures--should they be explored early?

One hundred consecutive cases of orbital floor fractures from varying causes are reviewed, and the admission symptoms and signs are compared to the late results. We considered the early findings of diplopia, infraorbital rim step-off, and hypesthesia (with an associated clinical diagnosis of malar bone involvement) an indication for exploration of the orbital floor and possible placement of silicone sheeting. When this was done, minimal complications resulted.