A case of posttraumatic diplopia revealing an entrapment of the lateral rectus muscle: Value of late disincarceration in an under-medicalized context

Abstract

Entrapment of the oculomotor muscles in orbital fractures is a known and feared complication. Their diagnosis is clinical, helped by morphological investigations. Urgent surgical disincarceration can avoid serious ophthalmologic complications and sequelae. Although the inferior and medial rectus muscles are the most frequently concerned because of the fragility of the orbital floor and the medial wall, we report a case of incarceration of the lateral rectus muscle. This case was seen and removed late and the evolution was satisfactory. Early consultation and emergency surgery of this type of lesions are still a challenge for physicians.

Keywords

• Entrapment
• Ocular lateral rectus muscle
• Diplopia
• Maxillofacial trauma