Lacrimal Crest Research Articles

A review of the ethmoidal foramina and their clinical application.

The ethmoidal foramina (EF), located on the medial orbital wall along the frontoethmoidal sutures, are critical anatomical landmarks for surgeries involving the medial orbital wall. This review aimed to review the surgical anatomy of the EF, including their embryology and radiology. Although the frontoethmoidal sutures mostly have two foramina passing through them, there are reports of single foramen or multiple, up to six foramina. These foramina provide a passage for the ethmoidal arteries and nerves, branches of ophthalmic arteries and nerves. The surgical guideline "24-12-6" is based on the approximate distance between the anterior lacrimal crest, the anterior and posterior ethmoidal arteries, and the optic canal, commonly used to navigate this area. However, some studies from various populations defined different ratios. Embryologically, the EF were formed by the union of intramembranous ossified frontal bones and endochondral ossified ethmoid bones. EF and neurovascular structures can be identified in computed tomography even in the 3 mm sectional intervals. A comprehensive anatomical understanding of EF will help clinicians improve surgical guidelines and ultimately reduce the risk of complications.

Posterior medial canthal thermoplasty in facial palsy: A simplified technique

Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe a new, simple, quick, reproducible, and minimally invasive surgical technique for medial canthal tendon (MCT) dehiscence and deformity in patients with facial palsy. Methods: A retrospective study of 10 patients having medial ectropion and MCT laxity in patients with facial palsy was included in the study. All patients underwent the simplified technique of posterior medial canthal thermoplasty and anchorage with 6/0 Vicryl. Ancillary procedures such as lateral tarsal strip, lower lid spacer, suborbicularis oculi fat lift, upper lid blepharotomy, and mullerectomy were also performed where warranted as a holistic treatment approach. Results: The study cohort included 10 patients. All patients had satisfactory outcomes concerning medial canthus position and lid-to-globe apposition. 9/10 patients had satisfactory punctum alignment. Conclusions: This technique is a safe alternate and reproducible procedure compared to the conventional open technique of anchoring the lid to the posterior lacrimal crest which is a challenging procedure even in experienced hands.

Lacrimal Sac, Classified within the Orbital Tissue

ABSTRACT Purpose To disclose that the lacrimal sac is classified within the orbital tissue. Materials and Methods Ten orbits of 9 Japanese cadavers aged 64 to 85 years at death were included. The attachment site of the orbital septum in the medial canthal area was grossly dissected. The relationship between the orbital septum attachment site and the location of the lacrimal sac was examined. Results In the upper region, the orbital septum was attached to the most superior area of the lacrimal fossa and the medial canthal tendon. In the lower region, the septum was attached to the anterior lacrimal crest and the medial canthal tendon. In both the upper and lower regions, none of the septa attached to the posterior lacrimal crest. The lacrimal sac was situated behind the orbital septum. Conclusion The lacrimal sac, which is situated behind the orbital septum, is classified within the orbital tissue.

Lacrimal Sac Characteristics in Patients With Punctal and Canalicular Agenesis: Punctum Update (PUP) Study-Paper 3.

To explore the endoscopic and histopathologic characteristics of the lacrimal sac (LS) and the nasolacrimal duct in cases with punctal agenesis presenting with LS swellings. This is a prospective, interventional study of 13 LSs of 8 patients presenting with punctal agenesis and LS swellings over a 5-year study period (June 2018-July 2023). Complete ophthalmic examination was performed along with CT scans of the orbits. The LS was exposed with an anterior lacrimal crest incision and explored. The exterior and interior of the sac swelling were examined and LS flaps were sent for histopathological analysis. The mean age of the patients was 23 years with a male:female ratio of 5:3. All patients presented with swelling in the LS region. Occasional epiphora was the presenting feature in 6 patients. All patients had both upper and lower punctal agenesis on the affected side with associated LS swelling. CT scans showed a hypodense cystic swelling with expansion of the LS fossa and bony nasolacrimal duct ending abruptly short of the inferior meatus. Intraoperatively, the LS had thin, translucent walls with mucoid secretion and an absence of common canalicular opening. Histopathological analysis showed epithelium consistent with LS with less robust development of the sac walls and poorly structured lacrimal drainage-associated lymphoid tissue with scanty stromal inflammation. The development of LS and the nasolacrimal duct is structurally affected in patients with punctal agenesis. Retrograde approaches for epiphora resolution are not logical in such cases but conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy with Jones tube can be a feasible option.

Morphometric Comparison of Endoscopic Endonasal Transpterygoid and Precaruncular Contralateral Medial Transorbital Approaches to Sphenoid Sinus Lateral Recess.

The endoscopic endonasal transpterygoid approach (TPA), minimally invasive compared with the sublabial transmaxillary and transcranial approaches, still accounts for morbidity in benign lateral recess of sphenoid sinus (LRSS) pathologies. Others have suggested an alternative route to the LRSS, the endoscopic contralateral medial transorbital approach (cMTO). However, no quantitative evidence exists to support the clinical application of this approach. This cadaveric study, in a controlled laboratory setting, provides a morphometric comparison of the TPA and cMTO for accessing the LRSS. The study also details the anatomy and technical nuances for optimizing the cMTO corridor. Ten fresh preinjected human cadaveric specimens (20 sides) were dissected with neuronavigation, completing endoscopic cMTO and TPA on each side. Four parameters-working distance to lateral recess, surgical exposure area, angle of attack (AoA), and surgical freedom-were measured for each approach. Relevant osteological measurements in 10 dried human skulls were recorded. The mean distance from the superior margin of the lacrimal sac impression to the inferior margin of the trochlear fossa was 10.29 ± 1.13 mm, and that from the anterior ethmoidal artery foramina to the posterior lacrimal crest was 9.63 ± 1.23 mm. The mean exposure area around the LRSS was significantly higher in TPA (614.09 ± 40.38 mm2) than in cMTO (391.19 ± 59.01 mm2, P = .001). The mean AoA was 9.83° and 10.24° in the cMTO and TPA, respectively, in the craniocaudal direction (P = .529). In the horizontal plane, it was 9.29° and 10.76° (P = .012). There was no significant difference in surgical freedom between the cMTO and TPA (804.61 and 806.05 mm3, respectively; P = .993). Although comparatively limited exposure area, the cMTO approach has a similar AoA and surgical freedom as TPA and offers better visualization and ergonomic advantages. cMTO provides a feasible, less morbid, multiport technique for benign sphenoid sinus lateral recess pathologies.

Increased Reliability in Medial Canthal Tendon Reposition in Nasoorbitoethmoidal Fractures with Computer-assisted Surgery and Surgical Navigation

Summary: Avulsion of the medial canthal tendon secondary to nasoorbitoethmoidal fractures leads to severe aesthetic and functional impairments. The tendon should be repositioned at the posterior lacrimal crest. Owing to the complexity of nasoorbitoethmoidal fractures, accurate location of this point during surgery can be challenging. With the aid of computer-assisted planning and surgical navigation, the point at which the medial canthal tendon should be repositioned can be easily and precisely located. We have developed an innovative navigation-assisted technique that increases the reliability and safety of internal canthus repositioning. We performed a case series of three consecutive patients who underwent medial canthal tendon repositioning using computer-assisted planning and surgical navigation. We believe that this innovation provides a new and useful application of computer-assisted planning and surgical navigation in craniomaxillofacial surgery.

Morphometry of the Bony Orbit and Periorbital Structures: Personal Perspectives From Decades of Related Research.

The author introduces his personal perspectives on the bony orbit, nerves, arteries, and ligaments relating to orbital re- construction surgery. A supraorbital fissure was 40.0 ± 2.5 mm from the supraorbital notch. Posterior ethmoidal foramen was 31.7 ± 3.0 mm from the anterior lacrimal crest. The infraorbital fissure, where the infraorbital groove started, was 26.4 ± 2.6 mm from the infraorbital foramen. The supraorbital fissure was 34.3 ± 2.7 mm from the frontozygomatic suture. The medial palpebral ligament consisted of 2 layers. The superficial layer of the palpebral ligament (SMPL) was from the anterior lacrimal crest to the upper and lower tarsal plates. The deep layer of the palpebral ligament (DMPL) lay from the anterior lacrimal crest to the posterior lacrimal crest, covering the lacrimal sac. Horner muscle was at the posterior lacrimal crest just lateral to the attachment of the DLPL and ran laterally to the tarsal plate deep to the SLPL. Three components of the lateral canthal area are: (1) lateral palpebral raphe, (2) superficial lateral palpebral ligament (SLPL), and (3) deep lateral palpebral ligament (DLPL). The lateral ends of superior and inferior orbicularis oculi muscles interlaced at the lateral commissure and formed the lateral palpebral raphe. The superficial lateral palpebral ligament extended from the lateral ends of the tarsal plate to the periosteum of the lateral orbital rim. The lateral palpebral ligament extended from the lateral ends of the tarsal plate deep to the origin of SLPL to the Whitnall tu- bercle on the zygomatic bone. The palpebral branch of the in- fraorbital artery emerged from the infraorbital foramen and ran superior and lateral to the orbital septum. After passing through the orbital septum, distributed to the orbital fat.

Malposition of the Resorbable Sheet in Medial Orbital Wall Fractures: Frequency and Techniques for Prevention.

The aim of this report is to discuss malposition of the resorbable sheet in medial orbital wall fractures and how to prevent this problem. After making an incision through the skin and orbicularis oculi muscle, a skin-muscle flap was elevated just superficial to the orbital septum, extending to the arcus marginalis. Dissection was extended just below the anterior lacrimal crest to increase the exposure. Fracture site in medial orbital wall was visualized. A resorbable sheet (poly- l -lactide, d -lactide sheet, 0.5-mm thickness) was trimmed and molded in an L shape, with the vertical portion used to cover the medial wall defect and the horizontal portion for stability in the orbital floor. An extended part, measuring roughly 1cm, was bent across on the infraorbital rim, and this part was fixed with absorbable screws to prevent the sheet from crumpling. After the molded plate was put in position, the periosteum and skin were closed. From 2011 to 2021, the authors operated on 152 orbital floor or medial wall fractures. Among 152 patients who underwent surgery to reconstruct orbital floor or medial wall fracture, of whom 27 patients had both floor and medial wall fractures, the authors experienced 2 cases of medial orbital wall fractures where the resorbable sheet was malpositioned, requiring reoperation. To prevent malposition of the sheet in medial wall reconstruction, the inferomedial angle of the vertical portion and the horizontal portion of the sheet should be about 135°. Before fixing the sheet on the bony part, a complete tension-free forced-duction test is mandatory.

Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy with mucosal anastomosing in chronic dacryocystitis with three categories of ethmoid sinuses.

To evaluate the outcome of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (En-DCR) with mucosal anastomosis in chronic dacryocystitis patients, with various categories of ethmoid sinuses. Between July 2015 and September 2019, 1439 adult patients, representing 1623 affected eyes, presented with chronic dacryocystitis and were scheduled for En-DCR. The categories of ethmoid sinuses were preoperatively determined, using computed tomography-dacryocystography (CT-DCG), and were classified as category 1 (C1), category 2 (C2), and category 3 (C3). No sinuses anterior to the posterior lacrimal crest defined as C1. Sinuses found between the anterior edge of the lacrimal bone and the posterior lacrimal crest defined as C2. Sinuses found anterior to the lacrimal bone suture defined as C3. At the end of surgery, the dacryocyst and nasal mucosa were anastomosed in C1, and the dacryocyst mucosa and anterior ethmoid sinus were anastomosed in C2 and C3 ethmoid sinus patients. The surgical success rate and related complications, in patients with 3 categories of ethmoid cells, were monitored and documented. Postoperative data was obtained for 179 C1 affected eyes, 878 C2 affected eyes, and 432 C3 affected eyes. The overall success rate of En-DCR was 93.0% (1385/1489). Additionally, the success rates were comparable among the different ethmoid categories at 12mo post operation. We demonstrated that the major reason for surgical failure was intranasal ostial closure, due to granulation or scar tissue. En-DCR is a feasible and highly effective primary treatment for chronic dacryocystitis. To ensure surgical success, the surgery protocol must be designed in accordance with the category of ethmoid sinuses present in individual patient.

Variations anatomiques du sinus ethmoïdal des patients opérés de dacryocystorhinostomie au centre hospitalier Hassan II de FES (étude de 215 patients)

Although several studies have tried to identify the causes of failure of dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) surgery, the ethmoid sinus remains an underestimated and little described source of failure. To study anatomical relationship between the ethmoidal sinus, particularly the "Agger nasi" cell, with the lacrimal fossa in the North African population, little described in the literature. This study is based on the results of preoperative analysis of dacryo-computed tomography. Analysis of preoperative computed tomography images of patients undergoing dacryocystorhinostomy over a 7-year period from January 2011 to December 2017. Anatomical relationships were studied according to the following classification: type I: No ethmoid cells located anteriorly to the posterior lacrimal crest on transverse images; type II: ethmoidal cells extending anteriorly to the posterior lacrimal crest, but not reaching the anterior edge of the lacrimal bone; Type III: ethmoidal cells located anterior to the lacrimal bone suture. Two hundred and fifteen preoperative computed tomography images were analyzed. The morphology of the ethmoid sinus was classified as type 1 in 33.5%, type 2 in 42.32% and type 3 in 24.18%. Computed tomography analysis was symmetrical in 87.5% and asymmetrical in 12.5%. During dacryocystorhinostomy, the surgeon must take into consideration type III, which can be present in 25% of cases. In the case of surgical failure, a dacryo-CT must be performed to rule out such anterior positioning of the ethmoid cells.

Positional relationship between lacrimal sac and skull base: implication of risk of cerebrospinal fluid leakage during dacryocystorhinostomy

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage is a rare but severe complication during dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). Understanding the details of the anatomy of the lacrimal drainage system and skull base is essential to avoid this complication. We examined the positional relationship between the lacrimal sac and skull base using 16 cadavers (22 sides) and using computed tomographic images taken in 81 patients (81 sides). Consequently, the frontal sinus intervened between the lacrimal sac and skull base in 81.8–90.1% of cases. The lacrimal sac fundus and posterior lacrimal crest were far from the skull base/cribriform plate, and the skull base above the lacrimal sac was considerably thick. These results indicate that the risk of skull base injury and consequent CSF leakage during DCR is extremely low. However, surgeons should be cautious of this complication by indirect injury due to a twisting movement of a bone rongeur applied to the maxillary bone during creation of a bony window in patients with no interposition of the frontal and ethmoid sinuses between the lacrimal sac and skull base.

Radiologic Evaluation of the Anterior and Posterior Ethmoidal Foramen and Optic Canal by Paranasal Sinus Computed Tomography Scan among Adult Filipinos

ABSTRACT Objective: To measure the average distances from anterior lacrimal crest (ALC) to anterior ethmoidal foramen (AEF), anterior ethmoidal foramen to posterior ethmoidal foramen (PEF) and posterior ethmoidal foramen to optic canal (OC) using plain paranasal sinus (PNS) computed tomography (CT) scans of adults in a tertiary private hospital in the Philippines. Methods: Design: Retrospective review of plain PNS CT scans Setting: Tertiary Private Teaching Hospital Participants: One hundred four (104) plain PNS CT scans from January 2018 to December 2020 were considered for inclusion. Results: Of the 104 PNS CT scans, 35 were excluded - seven for age less than eighteen, six for undistinguishable PEF and twenty-two for chronic rhinosinusitis. The remaining 69 PNS CT scans demonstrated identifiable structures, with overall average distances from ALC to AEF of 23.71 ± 2.43 mm, AEF to PEF of 10.87 ± 2.39 mm and PEF to OC of 7.39 ± 2.28 mm. Conclusion: Our study suggests average distances for localization of vital structures such as the anterior ethmoidal artery, posterior ethmoidal artery and optic nerve among Filipinos. Because of considerable variation between and within sexes, individual measurements should still be obtained for each patient in performing endonasal, skull base and orbital surgery.

Periosteal fixation of the medial and lateral recti for large-angle incomitant exotropia.

To describe the evolution of a surgical technique for the correction of large-angle incomitant exodeviations. Retrospective review of an interventional case series from 2005 to 2019 in a single centre, with analysis of surgical procedure, prism diopter (PD) deviations and complications. Thirty-one patients underwent surgery at an average age of 42years (range 4-75years) for minimal medial rectus function, mostly from oculomotor nerve palsy (23/31; 74%). The mean pre-operative exodeviation was 75 PD (range 30-200PD). Sixteen patients (52%) had undergone previous strabismus surgery. Thirty-eight operations were performed in which the medial rectus insertion was anchored to the periosteum of the posterior lacrimal crest via a retrocaruncular transconjunctival approach. The ipsilateral lateral rectus (LR) was disinserted and fixed to lateral orbital tissue in 29/38 (76%) operations, injected with botulinum toxin in 5, recessed in 2 and had already undergone maximal LR recession in 2. In all but the first 8 operations, temporary limbal sutures were passed through the eyelids to maximally adduct the globe post-operatively. At last follow-up (mean 24months; range 2-130), the mean reduction in exodeviation was 49PD (range 10-80) and overall residual deviation was 26PD (range 80PD base-in to 14PD base-out). The 5 LR toxin procedures had a mean reduction of 22PD (range 10-40). Seven patients had persistent diplopia, one a transient corneal erosion and one caruncle suture exposure 4years after surgery. Large-angle exodeviations can be markedly improved by bi-rectus fixation. This approach is both safe and effective and can be performed in complex patients with multiple previous procedures.

Transnasal Medial Canthopexy Supported with Autogenous Bone Graft: A New Method for Repair of Traumatic Telecanthus.

The medial canthus is an important structure to maintain the shape of the eye and assist in drainage of the lacrimal sac. Traumatic telecanthus is a difficult deformity to treat which involves both esthetic and functional aspects. Transnasal wiring remains the gold standard for repair of the medial canthal tendon (MCT) avulsion; however, it is often complicated by canthal drift, extrusion of wires, and in-fracture of the contralateral orbital bones from pressure by tied wires. In order to overcome traditional transnasal wiring technique pitfalls, this study proposes a transnasal wiring fixation method supported with a bone graft to treat patients presenting with telecanthus following complex nasoorbitoethmoid fractures. From December 2018 to October 2020, 12 patients with traumatic telecanthus underwent transnasal wiring fixation of the MCT supported with bone graft. The wire holding the MCT was delivered through a single hole to the contralateral side and secured to a small bone graft by passing the wire through 2 holes in the graft in a button-like fashion. Then the wire end is pulled again to the affected side through the same hole and the 2 wires ends are tightly twisted after setting the MCT posterior to the lacrimal crest. Restoration of the MCT to its normal position was achieved in all patients. There were no observed major complications. Only 2 cases of wound infection and 1 case of dacrocystitis were encountered, which settled with conservative management. The preoperative palpebral fissure width (mean: 28.33mm ± 2.188mm) was significantly lower than the postoperative palpebral fissure width (mean: 34.17mm ± 1.03mm) ( P< 0.05). This study introduces a modified technique of transnasal wiring fixation to restore palpebral shape and intercanthal distance. The proposed technique could eliminate most of the frequently observed complications of the traditional methods.

What is the Orbital Volume of African-Americans?

PurposeMeasurements of orbital volume (OV) are important for reconstructive operations of orbits such as congenital deformities, trauma, and pathology. Successful orbital reconstruction relies on an accurate restoration of OV. The purpose of this study was to identify the OV in the African-American (AA) population. The specific aims were to compare OV of AAs to Caucasians and right-to-left OV in the same racial group. This is the first project in available literature that calculates these OVs. Materials and methodsThe authors implemented a retrospective observational study of successive subjects who received a maxillofacial computed tomography (CT) scan at Grady Memorial Hospital between 2017 and 2020. The primary predictor variable was race. The primary outcome was orbital volume. Two independent examiners calculated OV with an open access OsiriX MD software (version 10.0.5; Pixmeo, Switzerland). All CT scans were acquired using a departmental-based max-face CT scan protocol; 0.6mm slice thickness, 0.5mm slice increment, 100-120kV, 80-440mA, 200-220 FOV, 0.656 Pitch, and a 512 × 512 image matrix. All CT scan data sets were anonymized. The CT images was exported in the digital imaging and communication in medicine (DICOM) format file from Philips Intellispace PACS Enterprise 4.4 software to an external hard drive WD My Passport for Mac. Computer-assisted manual segmentation of OV was performed using an open-access OsiriX MD (software version 10.0.5 [Pixmeo, Switzerland]). The anterior and posterior boundary of the orbit was defined by posterior lacrimal crest and anterior aspect of the optic canal, respectively. Inter-rater reliability was calculated. Differences in means between races, genders, and sides were tested using an independent samples T-test. ResultsSixty subjects (120 orbits) with an average age of 36.7 years (range 22 to 78) met the inclusion criteria. Male-to-female ratio was 1:1. Racial distribution represented 30 AA (50%) and 30 Caucasian patients (50%). Inter-examiner reliability was 0.973. The mean OV of AA and Caucasians was 22.375 cm3 and 23.225 cm3, respectively (P = .07). The mean OV in AA and Caucasian males was 23.919 cm3 and 24.168 cm3, respectively (P = .71). The mean OV in AA and Caucasian females was 20.832 cm3 and 22.282cm3, respectively (P = .013). Gender analysis revealed that AA males had a statistically significant larger OV than AA females (P = <.0001). ConclusionIn conclusion, this study showed that the mean OV for AAs was 22.38 cm3 (male 23.919 cm3; female 20.832 cm3). Caucasian males and females had a larger OV than AA males and females. Caucasian and AA males had a larger OV than Caucasian and AA females. The study findings provide normative values for race and gender between AA and Caucasians. Understanding the average value for OV based on race and gender will assist in preoperative surgical planning of orbital trauma repair and therefore will improve surgical outcome.

A cadaveric study investigating the anatomy of the medial orbital wall.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the applicability of the current surgical guideline, known as ‘24-12-6’ surgical guideline, in the Hispanic and European populations. This guideline is used during numerous orbital surgeries and states that the distance between the anterior lacrimal crest (ALC) to the anterior ethmoidal foramen (AEF) (24 mm), the AEF to the posterior ethmoidal foramen (PEF) (12 mm), and the PEF to the optic canal (OC) (6 mm) follows a Rule of Halves. Previous studies suggest this surgical guideline is not applicable for all ethnicities; however, to our knowledge, no data has been published regarding the accuracy of this guideline pertaining to the Hispanic population. An experimental study was performed on 79 orbits (52 cadavers) donated to the Human Anatomy Program at UT Health San Antonio. The ALC, AEF, posterior ethmoidal foramen, and OC were identified; the orbit was enucleated and all remaining soft tissue removed. The distance between each landmark was recorded using a digital caliper. For all cadavers studied, the distances between the ALC, AEF, posterior ethmoidal foramen, and OC were 24.76 mm, 13.89 mm, and 7.61 mm, respectively. Thus, the ‘24-12-6’ surgical guideline was not applicable to the sample studied. Based on ethnicity data, these relationships were also not true for the European or the Hispanic populations. Therefore, significant anatomical variations exist in the current surgical guideline. Clinicians may need to adjust their methodology during surgical procedures in order to optimize patient care.

Intra-Individual Aging of the Facial Skeleton.

Midface skeletal changes through aging have been conceptualized as a clockwise rotation relative to the cranial base. This finding is mainly supported by cross-sectional population studies based on comparisons between groups of individuals in different age ranges. Few papers have evaluated the intra-individual evolution of the facial skeleton, and those that have included only a limited number of patients. The authors sought to analyze the intra-individual evolution of the facial skeleton. We conducted a retrospective study including patients who underwent 2 separate facial computed tomography scans (T1 and T2) with a minimum gap of 7 years. Employing 3-dimensional reconstructions, we measured and compared 7 facial angles (glabellar, orbital, piriform, maxillary, subdental, chin, gonial) and 6 facial distances (lacrimal crest, orbital floor, piriform, zygoma, labiomental, gnathion) on both computed tomography scans. A total of 56 patients (29 males and 27 females) were included. Mean ages at T1 and T2 were 50 and 59 y, respectively. We found a significant decrease between T1 and T2 in facial angles at the midface (glabella, orbital, piriform, and maxillary angles, all P < 0.0001). We found a significant increase in all facial distances between T1 and T2 for the overall population and for men (all P < 0.05). For women, all distances increased, but only piriform and zygoma distances showed significant changes (P < 0.001 and P < 0.04, respectively). Bone remodeling appeared earlier in women. Our study confirms the clockwise rotation of the midface during aging. This finding could lead to a better understanding of aesthetic medicine practices.

Medial canthopexy using mini-screws &/or micro plates for the surgical treatment of post traumatic telecanthus associated with naso-orbito-ethmoidal fractures

BackgroundThe normal bony insertion of the medial canthal tendon can be disrupted after trauma, as a result of ablative surgery or as a consequence of subperiosteal detachment during a craniofacial surgical procedure. Medial canthoplasty is required to avoid telecanthus following these events. Several surgical techniques have been described to reattach the tendon to the posterior lacrimal crest. The techniques of transnasal wiring had been used widely to reconstruct medial canthal tendon. However, some surgeons have preferred the use of ipsilateral techniques that include the nylon anchor suture, the stainless-steel screw and/or miniplates. Aim of the studyThis study aims to present a technique for Canthopexy and Medial canthal ligament reconstitution secondary to posttraumatic medial canthal degloving injuries using mini-screws and/or microplates to obtain a consistent and definitive reinforcement of the Medial Canthal ligament and its continuity to the postero-superior surface of the medial orbital wall. Materials and methodsThe present study enrolled 23 patients with posttraumatic medial telecanthus deformity that had been treated over a 3-year period from July 2016–June 2019. Clinical examination had been scheduled for all patients regarding evaluation of lacrimal system function, medial canthal position in addition to eyelid measurements. Visual impairment and movements of the eye were evaluated by ophthalmological consultation. Irrigation and probing were used for evaluation of the nasolacrimal system. MCT detachment can be determined by Bowstringing test through subcutaneous palpation of the MCT as one stretches the lid laterally.Eyelid evaluation comprised recording measurements of the inter-canthal distance (ICD), the interpupillary distance (IPD) and the palpebral fissure length (PFL). Telecanthus was assessed by recording the distance (in millimetres) measured between the facial midline and the medial canthus of the injured eye that will be compared to the corresponding values of the uninjured eye preoperatively and at all postoperative follow-up intervals. Radiographic assessment was evaluated by axial, coronal and sagittal C.T scans preoperatively and at 1, 3 and 6 months postoperatively. ResultsMedial Canthopexy with mini-screws was performed in 15 patients while a Y-shaped micro plate was utilized in 8 patients. The postoperative medial canthal position had been reported to be satisfactory in all patients, showing a considerable improvement compared with the preoperative position. The patients were re-evaluated at 1,3 and 6 months postoperatively demonstrating absence of any evidence of recurrence and with an acceptable cosmetic result, as the medial canthal concavity had been successfully achieved. All patients were satisfied except one that was overcorrected and re-operated for re correction. Another one was under corrected and had undergone revision. However, at 6 weeks postoperatively, one patient had a wound dehiscence resulting in medial canthal detachment and required retreatment. In all patients (except for the one of wound dehiscence), the post-canthopexy Bow String test failed to cause loss of canthal re-attachment and reconstruction or even lateral displacement of the medial canthal tendon throughout all the follow-up intervals. ConclusionsMedial Canthopexy using mini-screws and/or microplates is a simple, easy and reliable technique for the surgical correction of posttraumatic Telecanthus secondary to MCT detachment as this technique promotes satisfactory post-surgical outcomes with resultant acceptable esthetic and functional results.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Features of Medial Canthal Tendon in Centurion Syndrome

ABSTRACT Purpose To describe the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of the medial canthal tendon (MCT) insertion in a series of patients of the Centurion syndrome. Methods This was a prospective study carried out over a period of 1 year. All patients clinically diagnosed with Centurion syndrome underwent MRI with surface coils. The insertion of both the limbs (anterior and posterior) of the MCT was studied radio-logically and correlated clinically. Results We recruited six patients, of whom four were males. The anterior limb of the MCT was found to insert anterior to the anterior lacrimal crest in three, normally inserted in two, and thinned out and mal-developed in one. None of the patients with normal insertion had the classical beak sign or prominent nasal bridge. Conclusion The anterior limb of the MCT may not always be inserted anteriorly in cases of Centurion syndrome; it can be normal or mal-developed. Disinsertion of the MCT, which is the most common procedure done for Centurion syndrome, might not be helpful in cases where the MCT is normally inserted or mal-developed.

Spontaneous orbital decompression in thyroid eye disease: new measurement methods and its influential factors.

To evaluate spontaneous decompression of the medial orbital wall and orbital floor in thyroid eye disease using new measurement methods and to analyze the influential factors. This retrospective study included 86 patients (172 sides). Regarding evaluation of spontaneous medial orbital decompression, an anteroposterior line was drawn between the posterior lacrimal crest and the junction between the ethmoid bone and corpus ossis sphenoidalis. The bulged and/or dented areas from that line were measured. Regarding evaluation of spontaneous orbital floor decompression, the length of the perpendicular distance from a line that was drawn between the inferior orbital rim and the orbital process of palatal bone to the tip of the superior bulge of the orbital floor was measured. Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that the maximum cross-sectional areas of the superior rectus/levator palpebrae superioris complex (P = 0.020) and medial rectus muscle (P = 0.028) were influential factors for spontaneous decompression of medial orbital wall (adjusted r2 = 0.090; P < 0.001), whereas the number of cycles of steroid pulse therapy (P = 0.002) and the maximum cross-sectional area of the inferior rectus muscle (P = 0.007) were the ones for that of the orbital floor (adjusted r2 = 0.096; P < 0.001). We believe that the identification of multiple influential factors of spontaneous decompression of the medial orbital wall and orbital floor will be helpful for better understanding and planned management of thyroid eye disease patients undergoing orbital decompression surgery.