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What should you know about an orbital bone fracture?

On Behalf of | Apr 15, 2022 | Personal Injury

As you probably know, car accidents continue to be a leading cause of serious injury in the U.S. In fact, according to statistics from Carsurance, approximately two million Americans suffer a permanent injury in motor vehicle accidents every single year. Sadly, an orbital bone fracture may be a permanent injury.

Your skull includes seven orbital bones that surround your eye. Not only do these bones provide protection to your eye, but they also give your face its overall appearance. If you suffer a catastrophic orbital bone fracture during an accident, your life may never be the same again.

Your vision may suffer

Like many Americans, you may take your ability to see clearly for granted. Still, an orbital bone fracture may cause pieces of bone to puncture your eye, leaving you with long-term vision problems. In an extreme case, doctors may have little choice but to remove your damaged eye permanently.

Your injury may require surgery

While a minor orbital bone fracture may heal without surgical intervention, doctors are likely to recommend surgery for a serious break. During your procedure, surgeons may use implants to rebuild the structure around your eye.

Furthermore, it is not uncommon for orbital bone surgeries to require skin grafts. If you need one or more grafts, doctors are likely to use artificial skin or skin from other parts of your body to reform the soft tissue in your face.

You may suffer psychological injuries

After your accident-related wounds heal, you may have to deal with the emotional fallout that comes with having a facial deformity. Ultimately, pursuing financial compensation from the driver who caused the accident may allow you to obtain ongoing therapy for your mental health.