What is a common associated feature of type III NOE fractures?

Type III naso-orbito-ethmoid (NOE) fractures are characterized by significant displacement involving the nasal, orbital, and ethmoidal regions, frequently leading to lateral canthal displacement. This occurs due to the disruption of the structures that support the medial and lateral canthal ligaments, resulting in a change of the position of the lateral canthus of the eye.

In type III fractures, the skeletal support of the eyelids and the structures around the orbit may be compromised, leading to changes in the alignment of the canthi—particularly the lateral canthus, which can be seen on clinical examination. This displacement can affect the overall aesthetic appearance of the face and may also impact ocular function.

While periorbital edema may be present due to the trauma associated with these fractures, it is not a definitive or specific feature of type III NOE fractures. Frontal bone displacement and damage to the optic nerve can occur with various types of facial fractures but are not characteristic features specific to the type III NOE fracture classification. The defining aspect of type III NOE fractures is the lateral canthal displacement, which comes from the involvement and instability of the surrounding facial structures.