CT demonstration of optic canal fractures.

Traumatic blindness is a well recognized entity with a guarded prognosis. Previous studies have variously reported the incidence of concomitant optic canal fractures and response to surgical therapy. With the advent of CT scanning, a new technique for study of these severely injured patients has become available. Over a period of 20 months, optic foramen fractures were demonstrated in 10 such patients using finely collimated, high-resolution CT scans. Fractures were easily classified by location, relation to the optic nerve assessed, and associated facial injuries imaged. The technique is easy, rapid, and superior to polytomography in this setting. Possible implications for therapy are discussed.