Hidden Fractures in Teenagers: A Cautionary Tale of Delayed Treatment

As teenagers engage in various physical activities, minor injuries are inevitable. However, some seemingly minor problems can have severe consequences if left untreated or misdiagnosed.

Xiao Han, a 14-year-old boy, experienced this firsthand when he accidentally got hit in the right eye while playing basketball. Initially, his parents thought the injury would heal on its own, but as the days passed, Xiao Han developed symptoms of blurred vision and double vision. The pain and swelling intensified whenever he looked up, and his right eyeball couldn’t rotate upward properly.

After a series of checkups and CT scans, Xiao Han was diagnosed with a fracture of the lower wall of his right orbit. The fracture required surgical treatment, but due to the delayed diagnosis, the surgery was postponed for over 20 days. Deputy Chief Physician Fang Wei, an expert in orbital tumors and eye and nose-related specialties, emphasized that the fracture range was likely larger than what the CT image showed, as children’s bones have high elasticity.

Xiao Han’s eye muscles were stuck at the fracture site, causing symptoms such as swelling, pain, and double vision. Fang Wei explained that if the incarceration lasts for an extended period, it can lead to muscle dysfunction, even after surgery. In some cases, this can result in sequelae like incoordination of binocular vision and double vision.

Fang Wei stressed that timely treatment is crucial in such cases. Ideally, surgery should be performed within 24 to 48 hours after the injury. However, due to hidden symptoms and smaller fracture ranges on examination images, many patients’ treatment opportunities are delayed.

Xiao Han was fortunate to have recovered well after the surgery, but he still requires regular follow-up visits and continued observation. Fang Wei sees several patients like Xiao Han every year, most of whom are injured while playing competitive sports. He emphasized the importance of prompt medical attention in such cases, as delayed treatment can lead to poor muscle function recovery.

Parents and caregivers should be aware of the risks associated with delayed treatment of hidden fractures in teenagers. If similar symptoms occur, it is essential to seek medical attention promptly to prevent long-term consequences.