The use of the naugle orbitometer in maxillofacial trauma

Background and Objectives. Objective measuring of globe position is not a universal practice in the management of orbital trauma. Few studies in the literature advocate its routine use. Methods and Materials. The Hertel exophthalmometer is the most widely used instrument; however, in trauma involving the lateral orbital rim (eg, in zygoma fractures), the results are inaccurate because the displacement of the zygomatic bone interferes with its reference point on the lateral orbital rim. A more recent measuring device, the Naugle orbitometer, was introduced in 1992. It uses the superior orbital rim (frontal bar) and inferior orbital rim (malar eminence) as reference points. Results and/or Conclusions. This article reports experience with this instrument in objective measuring the position of the globe in orbital trauma. These measurements are used 1) to monitor fractures that may not require repair but should be followed and observed for dystopia or enophthalmos, 2) to determine the adequacy of fracture repair, and 3) to determine the volume adjustment required for correcting enophthalmos. Future studies will be directed to compare the accuracy of Naugle and Hertel exophthalmometers.