Surgical approaches to the orbit

Abstract

Orbital injuries can only be treated most effectively, aesthetically, and safely when the surgeon's armamentarium includes all contemporary orbital approaches. The lateral orbit, orbital floor, and medial orbit are useful anatomic divisions that are each exposed best through distinct approaches. Lateral brow, upper blepharoplasty, and coronal approaches provide access to the lateral orbit. The orbital floor is accessible through subciliary, subtarsal, transconjunctival, or transantral approaches. Lynch, transcaruncular, transnasal, and coronal approaches are useful for medial orbital exposure. When the surgeon utilizes these approaches appropriately with meticulous surgical technique and close postoperative observation for rare potential complications, excellent outcomes can be achieved following orbital trauma. Orbital injuries can only be treated most effectively, aesthetically, and safely when the surgeon's armamentarium includes all contemporary orbital approaches. The lateral orbit, orbital floor, and medial orbit are useful anatomic divisions that are each exposed best through distinct approaches. Lateral brow, upper blepharoplasty, and coronal approaches provide access to the lateral orbit. The orbital floor is accessible through subciliary, subtarsal, transconjunctival, or transantral approaches. Lynch, transcaruncular, transnasal, and coronal approaches are useful for medial orbital exposure. When the surgeon utilizes these approaches appropriately with meticulous surgical technique and close postoperative observation for rare potential complications, excellent outcomes can be achieved following orbital trauma.