Enophthalmos caused by fracture of-
**Enophthalmos caused by fracture of**
**Core Concept**
Enophthalmos refers to the posterior displacement of the globe of the eye within the orbit, resulting in a sunken appearance. This condition can be caused by various factors, including trauma, tumors, and fractures. In the context of a fracture, enophthalmos occurs due to the disruption of the orbital floor or medial wall, leading to a loss of posterior support for the globe.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is related to the anatomy of the orbit and the forces involved in enophthalmos. When the orbital floor is fractured, the orbital contents, including the globe, are displaced posteriorly due to the loss of support. This is because the orbital floor is composed of thin bone that provides critical posterior support to the globe. The fracture of this bone disrupts this support, allowing the globe to sink into the orbit.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** This option is incorrect because enophthalmos is not typically caused by a fracture of the orbital roof. The roof of the orbit is composed of thicker bone and is less likely to be involved in enophthalmos.
* **Option B:** This option is incorrect because a fracture of the zygomatic arch would not typically cause enophthalmos. The zygomatic arch provides lateral support to the orbit, but its fracture does not directly affect the posterior support of the globe.
* **Option C:** This option is incorrect because a fracture of the maxillary sinus would not typically cause enophthalmos. While the maxillary sinus is located in the orbital floor, a fracture of this sinus would not directly affect the posterior support of the globe.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key point to remember is that enophthalmos is often associated with a "tear-drop" appearance of the soft tissues on imaging studies, due to the displacement of the orbital contents posteriorly.
**Correct Answer: C. Orbital floor fracture. Orbital floor fracture.**