The application of drill hole lateral canthoplasty and canthopexy in correction of lower eyelid malposition

Abstract

Objective To investigate the lateral canthoplasty and canthopexy with bone drilling to correct lower eyelid malposition and its benefit. Methods From January 2014 to January 2019, lateral canthopexy with bone drilling technique was used to repair 56 patients with lower eyelid malposition in Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery of Changhai Hospital. Forty-four patients with lower eyelid ectopic had multiple previous surgeries, and 12 patients had congenital lower eyelid retraction. For patients without lower palpebral margin extension, lateral canthopexy with bone drilling technique was applied. For patients with lower palpebral margin extension, the lateral canthus angle was exposed to shorten the lower eyelid margin. For congenital lower eyelid retraction, the lateral canthus tendon was completely cut off, and then fixed with double armed sutures. Results Operations were successfully performed on all 56 patients, and the patients were followed up for 1-38 months. Forty-nine patients achieved good eyelid shape and satisfied with the operative effects (87.5%). Malposition was ameliorated in 6 patients (10.7%). One remained uncorrected (1.8%). Conclusions Lateral canthopexy with bone drilling technique could obtain firm suspension force. For lower eyelid malposition, especially for patients with recurrent malposition or congenital lower eyelid retraction, satisfied function and appearance could be achieved. Key words: Lateral canthus, canthopexy; Lateralcanthus, canthoplasty; Lower eyelid malposition