Lateral Orbital Decompression Research Articles

Initial implementation of surgical guide design utilizing digital medicine for lateral orbital decompression surgery

ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the feasibility of utilizing a surgical guide, designed through digital medical technology, in lateral orbital decompression surgery. MethodsIn total, 18 patients with thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO), who underwent orbital balance decompression surgery at the Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University between September 2018 and August 2022, were included. Orbital CT scanning was performed on all patients with TAO, and Mimics 21.0 software was used to reconstruct a three-dimensional model of the orbit based on the CT data. The osteotomy guide plate for lateral orbital decompression surgery was designed using 3-matic 13.0 software, adhering to the criteria of surgical effectiveness and safety. The surgical positioning guide was designed using Geomagic Wrap 21.0. Once printed, the surgical guide was sterilized with low-temperature plasma and applied during surgery. ResultsOf the nine patients treated using a surgical navigation system, three cases experienced cerebrospinal fluid leakage complications during the procedure, and two exhibited inadequate bone removal along the lateral wall. In contrast, among the nine patients treated with surgical guides, no intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage or evidence of insufficient lateral wall bone removal was observed, highlighting a statistically significant distinction between the two cohorts (p = 0.046). Postoperative improvements were notable in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and exophthalmos for patients afflicted with extremely severe TAO. ConclusionThe surgical guide, designed with digital medical technology, has been shown to be an effective and secure auxiliary tool in lateral orbital decompression surgery. It not only aids in reducing the incidence of intraoperative complications, but also enhances the accuracy and safety of surgery. These improvements offer robust support for continued exploration in this field within clinical practice.

Analysis of the efficacy of transnasal endoscopic annulus of zinn area decompression in the treatment of dysthyroid optic neuropathy

Objective: To evaluate the early efficacy and safety of transnasal endoscopic decompression in the annulus of zinn (AZ) region for refractory dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON) and to preliminarily analyze the correlated factors of postoperative visual function outcome. Methods: From July 2021 to January 2023, 35 patients (56 eyes) with DON who received AZ area decompression in Peking University Third Hospital were included retrospectively, including 9 males (13 eyes) and 26 females (43 eyes), aging (52.2±12.0) years. Among them, 35 eyes underwent two-wall (medial and inferior) orbital decompression using an endonasal endoscopic approach, while 21 eyes received three-wall (medial, lateral, and inferior) orbital decompression through a combined approach. Key parameters such as best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), visual field (MD value), eyeball prominence, intraocular pressure, and complications were recorded. Postoperative data were collected one month after surgery. The statistical analysis was performed using paired t-test and Spearman correlation analysis. Results: Significant outcomes were observed post surgery in BCVA, visual field, intraocular pressure and proptosis (t value was 8.37, 6.17, 4.50, and 9.20, respectively, all P<0.001). The reduction in proptosis was statistically significant between the 2-wall and 3-wall orbital decompression groups (t=-2.82, P=0.007). Changes in BCVA, visual field, and intraocular pressure before and after surgery was greater in the 3-wall orbital decompression group compared to 2-wall orbital decompression group, although the difference was not statistically significant (all P>0.05). Change in postoperative visual acuity and visual field was significantly positively correlated with preoperative visual acuity and preoperative visual field (all P<0.001). Similarly, change in intraocular pressure and proptosis was positively correlated with preoperative intraocular pressure and preoperative protrusion (all P<0.001). Preoperative diplopia was reported in seven patients (20.0%), and two new cases (5.7%) were noted post-operation, which resolved within 3 months after surgery. Conclusions: Endoscopic endonasal decompression of the AZ area is a safe and effective surgical treatment for DON, with notable improvements in BCVA. Furthermore, three-orbital wall decompression seems to yield better outcomes in terms of eye retraction.

Impact of sphenoid trigone size and extraocular muscle thickness on the outcome of lateral wall orbital decompression for thyroid eye disease.

To retrospectively review lateral wall orbital decompression for thyroid eye disease (TED) and to evaluate pre-operative CT scans to analyse the variation inproptosis reduction. Consecutive lateral wall orbital decompressions performed by a single surgeon were retrospectively reviewed. Pre-operative CT scan features and post-operative proptosis reduction were analysed. The sphenoid trigone cross-sectional areas were summed and multiplied by the slice thickness to yield bone volume. Cumulative extraocular muscle thickness was calculated by combining the maximum thickness of the four recti. "Trigone volume" and "cumulative muscle thickness" were correlated with proptosis reduction at 3months post-surgery. Out of 73 consecutive lateral wall orbital decompressions, 17 orbits had prior endonasal medial wall orbital decompression. In the remaining 56 orbits, the mean pre-operative and post-operative proptosis were 24.3 ± 1.6mm and 20.9 ± 2.3mm respectively. The proptosis reduction ranged from 1 to 7mm (mean of 3.5mm ± 1.3 (p < 0.001)). Mean sphenoid trigone volume was 895 ± 434.4 mm3. The mean cumulative muscle thickness was 20.4 ± 5mm. The correlation coefficient between muscle thickness and proptosis reduction was - 0.3 and was statistically significant (p = 0.043). The correlation coefficient between sphenoidal trigone volume and proptosis reduction was 0.2 (p = 0.068). With a multivariate analysis, the coefficient of efficient of regression for muscle thickness was - 0.007 (p = 0.42) and the coefficient of regression for trigone volume was 0.0 (p = 0.046). Proptosis reduction following lateral wall orbital decompression can be variable. Extraocular muscle thickness had a significant correlation with the outcome, with greater proptosis reduction in orbits with thin muscles. The sphenoidal trigone size had a weak correlation with decompression outcome.

Complications of transnasal endoscopic orbital decompression in thyroid eye disease

The study evaluates the frequency of complications after transnasal endoscopic orbital decompression (TEOD). The study included 40 patients (75 orbits) with thyroid eye disease (TED; also termed Graves' ophthalmopathy, GO; thyroid-associated orbitopathy, TAO), who were divided into three groups depending on the method of surgical treatment. The first group consisted of 12 patients (21 orbits) who were treated with TEOD as the only method of surgical treatment. In the second group, there were 9 patients (18 orbits) who underwent TEOD and lateral orbital decompression (LOD) simultaneously. The third group consisted of 19 patients (36 orbits) who underwent TEOD as the second stage after LOD. Pre- and postoperative observation included assessment of visual acuity, visual field, exophthalmos, heterotropia/heterophoria angle. In group I the new-onset strabismus with binocular double vision was detected in 1 patient (8.3%). In 5 patients (41.7%), there was an increase in the angle of deviation and an increase in diplopia. In group II the new-onset strabismus with diplopia occurred in 2 patients (22.2%). In 8 patients (88.9%), an increase in the angle of deviation and an increase in diplopia were revealed. In group III the new-onset strabismus and diplopia occurred in 4 patients (21.0%). An increase in the deviation angle and an increase in diplopia were noted in 8 patients (42.1%). The number of postoperative otorhinolaryngologic complications in group I was 4 (19.0% of the number of orbits). Two intraoperative complications were recorded in group II - 1 case of cerebrospinal rhinorrhea (5.5% of the number of orbits) and 1 case of retrobulbar hematoma without permanent vision loss (5.5% of the number of orbits). The number of postoperative complications was 3 (16.7% of the number of orbits). In group III the number of postoperative complications was 3 (8.3% of the number of orbits). The study showed that the most common ophthalmological complication after TEOD is strabismus with binocular double vision. Otorhinolaryngologic complications included synechiae of the nasal cavity, sinusitis and mucocele of the paranasal sinuses.

Effect of Rim-Off Deep Lateral Orbital Decompression on Interpalpebral Fissure Shape.

The purpose of this study is to compare the palpebral fissure shape after rim-off deep lateral decompression with and without restoration of the lateral orbital rim. Retrospective cross-sectional quantitative analysis of the palpebral fissure images of 17 patients (25 eyes) who underwent rim-off deep lateral orbital decompression without repositioning of the rim (G1) and of 20 patients (34 eyes) operated with rim restoration. Quantification of palpebral fissure images included MRD 1 and MRD 2 , two lateral mid-pupil lid margin (MPD) distances, the width of the palpebral fissure, and the height and shape of the lateral canthus. Proptosis reduction did not differ significantly between G1 and G2. In both groups, decompression reduced the mean values of the MRD 1 and MRD 2 , the lateral height of the upper eyelid, and the height and angle of the lateral canthus. The palpebral fissure width and lateral height of the lateral lower eyelid were not affected. There was no significant difference between the mean changes of G1 and G2. Multivariate analysis showed that the lateral canthus decrease was correlated with changes in MRD 1 and MRD 2 . Small changes in palpebral fissure shape after deep lateral decompression are not dependent on the presence or absence of the lateral rim.

Transnasal endoscopic orbital decompression in the algorithm of surgical treatment of endocrine ophthalmopathy

To develop an algorithm for the use of transnasal endoscopic orbital decompression (TEOD) in endocrine ophthalmopathy (EOP). The results of 225 TEODs are analyzed. 139 patients with EOP were under observation, who were divided into two groups. Group 1 included 64 patients with an inactive form of EOP, group 2 included 75 patients with EOP complicated by optical neuropathy. Group 2 patients are divided into three subgroups. In the first subgroup there were 36 patients who underwent only TEDO, in the second subgroup there were 17 patients who underwent simultaneous TEOD and lateral bone orbital decompression (LBOD), in the third subgroup there were 22 patients who underwent TEOD and with an interval of 7-14 days - LBOD. After surgery, visual acuity, visual fields and color perception, regression of exophthalmos, as well as the presence of strabismus and diplopia were evaluated. In patients of group 1 (64 patients, 104 TEODs), the average regression rate of exophthalmos was 5.49±1.22. Diplopia was observed in 23 (36%) patients, strabismus - in 18 (28%) patients. The transient nature of diplopia and strabismus was noted in 11% of cases. Patients of the first subgroup showed an increase in visual acuity from 0.4±0.28 to 0.7±0.2 (p<0.05). Strabismus and diplopia were observed in 54% of cases. In the subgroup with step-by-step performed TEOD and LBOD, the increase in visual acuity was more pronounced and amounted to 74% (from 0.78±0.71 to 0.2±0.3 according to LogMAR, p<0.05), postoperative strabismus and diplopia remained at a high level - 40% of the number of surgical operations performed. The best results of improving visual functions were obtained in patients of the second subgroup with simultaneous TEOD and LBOD (balanced orbital decompression): the increase in visual acuity was 79% (from 0.57±0.47 to 0.12±0.2 according to LogMAR, p<0.05). In patients of this subgroup, strabismus develops less frequently (22% of the number of operated orbits). Transnasal endoscopic decompression of the orbit in the inactive form of the disease is indicated for exophthalmos of more than 4-8 mm. In optical neuropathy, transnasal endoscopic orbital decompression is indicated regardless of the initial visual acuity of the patient and should be supplemented with lateral bone orbital decompression with visual acuity below 0.1. The obtained results allowed us to form an algorithm for surgical treatment of patients with endocrine ophthalmopathy and optical neuropathy using transnasal endoscopic orbital decompression as a surgical intervention.

Efficacy of lateral orbital rim decompression in patients with prior rim-sparing, three-wall orbital decompression.

PURPOSE:The purpose was to study the effects of removal of the lateral orbital rim in patients with prior three-wall decompression for thyroid eye disease (TED).MATERIALS AND METHODS:This was a single-institution retrospective case series of patients presenting with symptoms and signs of residual symptomatic proptosis that had previously undergone three-wall decompression for TED. Data collected included patient age, gender, presenting symptoms, ocular history, proptosis reduction, and complications.RESULTS:Eleven orbits were identified. The mean preoperative exophthalmometry for the operative eye was 24.0 mm with 2.7 mm of relative proptosis. Removal of the lateral orbital rim resulted in a mean reduction in proptosis of 2.5 mm (range: 0.5–5.0 mm, P < 0.001). There was no significant change in diplopia, lagophthalmos, margin reflex distance (MRD) 1, MRD2, or exposure keratopathy. No canthal deformities were noted. All subjects reported satisfaction with functional and cosmetic outcomes of lateral orbital rim removal, and none reported problems with external contour irregularities of the lateral canthal region.CONCLUSION:Removal of the lateral orbital rim as part of a maximal orbital bony decompression adds to the decompressive effect of proptosis reduction with minimal side effects.

Surgical management of the orbit in thyroid eye disease: lateral orbital decompression.

Lateral orbital wall decompression is one of many well established techniques available to surgeons in management of patients with clinically significant thyroid eye disease (TED). Several different surgical approaches have been described in the literature and are reviewed herein. Lateral orbital wall decompression remains a popular technique for surgical management of TED, with a recent American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery survey showing that 22.6% of respondents preferred a single-wall procedure, with 36.8% of that subset preferring lateral wall decompression alone. Surgical techniques for lateral orbital wall decompression differ based on several steps, such as the incisional approach, whether to take an ab-interno versus ab-externo approach, and whether to remove orbital fat to achieve further decompression. In addition, technological advances have produced an array of tools available to the orbital surgeon to achieve efficient and accurate bone removal. Lateral orbital wall decompression for TED, despite being an older technique, remains a popular and well established procedure for orbital decompression. Though no randomized controlled clinical trial supports one decompression technique over another for TED, lateral orbital wall decompression offers many benefits such as its ease of access and visualization of the orbital space.

Deep lateral orbital decompression for Graves orbitopathy: a systematic review.

To systematically review the literature on the deep lateral orbital decompression (DLD). The authors searched the MEDLINE, Lilac, Scopus, and EMBASE databases for all articles in English, Spanish, and French that used as keywords the terms orbital decompression and lateral wall. Two articles in German were also included. Data retrieved included the number of patients and orbits operated, types of the approach employed, exophthalmometric and horizontal eye position changes, and complications. The 95% confidence intervals (CI) of the mean Hertel changes induced by the surgery were calculated from series with 15 or more data. Of the 204 publications initially retrieved, 131 were included. Detailed surgical techniques were analyzed from 59 articles representing 4559 procedures of 2705 patients. In 45.8% of the reports, the orbits were decompressed ab-interno. Ab-externo and rim-off techniques were used in 25.4% and 28.8% of the orbits, respectively. Mean and 95% CI intervals of Hertel changes, pooled from 15 articles, indicate that the effect of the surgery is not related to the technique and ranges from 2.5 to 4.5mm. The rate of new onset of diplopia varied from zero to 8.6%. Several complications have been reported including dry eye, oscillopsia, temporal howling, lateral rectus damage, and bleeding. Unilateral amaurosis and subdural hematoma have been described in only one patients each. The low rate of new-onset diplopia is the main benefit of DLD. Prospective studies are needed to compare the rate of complications induced by the 3 main surgical techniquesused.

Deep Lateral and Endoscopic Inferomedial Orbital Decompression Combined with Injection of BTA for Extraocular Muscles in A Patient with TAO

Deep Lateral and Endoscopic Inferomedial Orbital Decompression Combined with Injection of BTA for Extraocular Muscles in A Patient with TAO

Potential of bony regrowth after deep lateral orbital decompression

The article describes a very rare case of bony regrowth after deep lateral orbital decompression for thyroid eye disease. Bony regrowth was observed in the area of the resected «trigone» of the greater wing of the sphenoid bone and in the area of the exposed dura mater. This case demonstrates that bony regrowth can be a possible cause of exophthalmos (proptosis) recurrence after orbital decompression in thyroid eye disease without clinical or laboratory evidence of reactivation of the disease.

Fulminant orbital cellulitis with compartment syndrome and vision loss due to streptococcus pyogenes: A case report

: To describe an unusual case of fulminant orbital cellulitis with complete vision loss despite timely medical and surgical management. Orbital cellulitis is an infective condition of the ocular adnexal structures (fat, periorbita, and muscles) behind the orbital septum. A 22-year-old female presented with rapidly progressing orbital cellulitis and was started on empirical intravenous antibiotics. Orbital imaging showing marked proptosis with optic nerve stretching and an extraconal abscess in the medial aspect of left orbit. Emergency lateral canthotomy and orbital decompression was done. Streptococcus pyogenes was isolated on culture and antibiotics changed according to the sensitivity pattern. Lid edema, proptosis, and extraocular movements improved but vision deteriorated to absent light perception. Fundus showed disc pallor on follow up. A case of fulminant orbital cellulitis with compartment syndrome and ischemic necrosis of optic nerve is reported, which led to permanent vision loss despite timely antibiotics and surgical management.Despite prompt surgical intervention and administration of intravenous antibiotics, the patient may develop compartment syndrome, ischemic necrosis or infiltration of the optic nerve leading to complete vision loss.Orbital cellulitis is an infective condition of the ocular adnexal structures (fat, periorbita, and muscles) behind the orbital septum. This condition is more common in children and young adults and usually results from a paranasal sinus or any facial infection. The majority of the organisms isolated are Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae B and Moraxella catarrhalis. Beta-hemolytic streptococci are rarely implicated. Bacterial cellulitis usually responds well to antibiotics but rarely may result in vision or life-threatening complications.

Deep Lateral Wall Partial Rim-Sparing Orbital Decompression with Ultrasonic Bone Removal for Treatment of Thyroid-Related Orbitopathy.

Purpose To describe the results of thyroid-related orbitopathy (TRO) treated by ultrasonic deep lateral wall bony decompression with partial rim sparing (DLW-PRS). Methods A review was carried out, from January 2015 to September 2017, of all patients treated with ultrasonic DLW-PRS decompression using a SONOPET® (Stryker, Kalamazoo, MI, USA) ultrasonic aspirator, using a lateral, small triangle flap incision for access. The primary outcome was the change in proptosis (measured by the difference in Hertel exophthalmometry measurements). Other secondary outcomes were changes in visual acuity (VA) (using Snellen scale, decimal fraction), presence of lagophthalmos, eyelid retraction (measured by upper eyelid margin distance to the corneal reflex (MRD1) and lower eyelid margin distance to the corneal reflex (MRD2), and presence of exposure keratopathy). Results A total of 58 orbital decompressions in 35 patients were reviewed, with 23 patients (65.7%) having bilateral decompressions. There was a female preponderance with 26 patients (74.2%), and the mean age ± standard deviation was 52.6 ± 13.9 years. Mean proptosis was 24.51 ± 1.76 mm preoperatively, reduced to 19.61 ± 1.27 mm in final follow-up. The mean reduction was 4.9 ± 1.54 mm. VA improved from 0.8 ± 0.14 to 0.9 ± 0.12, p=0.039. 5 of 13 patients (38.4%) with preoperative diplopia reported improvement or complete resolution after surgery. MRD1 was reduced from 5.25 ± 0.88 mm to 4.49 ± 0.7 mm. MRD2 was also reduced from 6.3 ± 0.88 mm to 5.0 ± 0.17 mm. Presence of lagophthalmos was reduced from 35 eyes (60.3%) to five (8.6%); the presence of epiphora was also reduced from 20 patients (57.1%) to 3 (8.5%) following decompression. Complications of the surgery included zygomatic hypoaesthesia in 14 (40%) patients in the early postoperative period and chewing alterations in 10 (28.5%) of the patients. All of these complications were resolved at the 6-month follow-up visit. We noted no surgical complications such as ocular or soft tissue damage, infection, inflammation, or visual loss. Conclusions The SONOPET® ultrasonic bone curette can be used safely and effectively for DLW orbital decompression surgery. The main benefits were good visualization and handling of tissues and speed and ease of use of the equipment. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04025034.

Deep lateral rim-sparing orbital wall decompression in spontaneous globe subluxation associated with shallow orbits and eyelids laxity

ABSTRACTPurpose: To share our experience on deep lateral wall rim-sparing orbital decompression for the prevention of further spontaneous globe subluxation, in patients with shallow orbits and eyelid laxity.Methods: This is a retrospective, interventional case series review. We report the results of deep lateral wall rim-sparing orbital decompression in 7 patients with recurrent spontaneous globe subluxation, operated in our department between 2010 and 2016. The orbital morphology was established by computed tomography scan images, and all patients with shallow orbit configuration and who in addition had eyelid laxity were included. Patients with thyroid eye disease were excluded.Results: No significant intraoperative and postoperative complications were encountered. In all cases, the patients were satisfied with the aesthetic result and none reported further episodes of globe subluxation.Conclusions: Deep lateral wall rim-sparing orbital decompression is a safe and effective decompressive procedure associated with minimal complications, which can be performed successfully in patients with spontaneous globe subluxation associated with shallow orbits with enough eyelid laxity.

Deep Lateral Wall Partial Rim-Sparing Orbital Decompression for Treatment of Thyroid-Related Orbitopathy

Deep Lateral Wall Partial Rim-Sparing Orbital Decompression for Treatment of Thyroid-Related Orbitopathy

Influence of surgical approach for decompression on lower eyelid position in thyroid eye disease

ABSTRACTPurpose: Orbital decompression for thyroid eye disease (TED) has been noted to improve lower lid retraction by 0.5-1 mm. We hypothesize that orbital decompression via transconjunctival approach may lead to increased reduction in marginal reflex distance 2 (MRD2) as it involves division of the lower lid retractors. The purpose of this study is to evaluate relative changes in lower lid position for patients undergoing lateral and transconjunctival orbital decompression, respectively.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, all TED patients managed with lateral or transconjunctival orbital decompression for a 3-year period were screened for inclusion. Photographs taken in the primary position preoperatively and three months postoperatively were utilized to evaluate the MRD2 from each patient. Measurements were made utilizing NIH ImageJ software standardized to a corneal diameter. Hertel measurements of proptosis were obtained pre and postoperatively. The primary outcome measure was MRD2 in operative eyes.Results: A total of 131 (86 patients) operative eyes were included in the sample. Mean change MRD2 was not significantly different between the surgical groups (p = 0.07). In multivariate modeling, mean change in MRD2 was significantly associated with change in exophthalmometry, independent of surgical approach.Conclusions: The association between decrease in Hertel measurement and decrease in MRD2 is consistent with the existing literature on the topic. It appears that transconjunctival division of the lower eyelid retractors provides no additional benefit in reducing lower lid retraction relative to change in proptosis.

Image- guided balanced orbital decompression for the management of thyroid eye disease: An analysis of outcomes and complications

Background: Thyroid eye disease (TED) commonly presents with proptosis, lid retraction, and diplopia. Multiple surgical techniques have been described to rehabilitate the orbit and to restore vision. Balanced orbital decompression is advocated as a standard surgical technique, and image guidance is encouraged to minimize surgical risks. We evaluated the outcomes of patients who underwent image- guided balanced three walls orbital decompression for TED. Methods: An IRB approved retrospective chart review study was performed on all patients who underwent image-guided balanced orbital decompression between January 2010 and December 2016 at West Virginia University Hospital. Demographics, pre-operative and post-operative clinical data including indications, presence of pre- and post-operative diplopia, and exophthalmometry were abstracted. Results: 169 orbital decompressions in 103 patients were performed. The mean age was 56 years, and the prevalence of pre-operative diplopia was 73%. The incidence of new- onset post-operative diplopia was 5.8%. Among patients who had pre-operative diplopia, 48% had resolution of their diplopia post- operatively. The mean reduction in proptosis was 4.7 mm. No patient experienced intraoperative and/ or postoperative complications. Conclusion: Image-gulded balanced lateral, medial and inferior orbital decompression can result in improvement of visual aculty and resolution of pre- existing .diplopia while allowing for significant reduction in proptosis.

Comparison of rim-sparing versus rim-removal techniques in deep lateral wall orbital decompression for Graves’ orbitopathy

The aim of this study was to compare the surgical outcomes of deep lateral orbital decompression using the rim-sparing technique versus the rim-removal technique in Graves’ orbitopathy (GO). A retrospective cohort study of 75 orbits in 50 patients with GO was performed. Proptosis, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), upper and lower lid margin to reflex distances (MRD-1 and MRD-2, respectively), diplopia, ocular restriction, and GO quality of life (GO-QOL) questionnaire results were analyzed pre- and postoperatively. The average proptosis reduction ranged from 3.5mm to 6.7mm with the rim-sparing technique and from 3.6mm to 6.7mm with the rim-removal technique (P>0.05). All orbits with dysthyroid optic neuropathy in the rim-sparing group and 87.5% of such orbits in the rim-removal group showed improved BCVA (P=0.321). Reductions in IOP, MRD-1, and MRD-2 were observed with both techniques. Patients in the rim-sparing group had greater improvements in GO-QOL appearance score (P=0.043). In conclusion, rim-sparing orbital decompression provides efficacious outcomes with greater improvements in patient quality of life than the rim-removal technique. The rim-sparing technique should be considered as a preferable option because it preserves the integrity of the lateral vertical maxillary buttress and bony protection for the orbital contents.

Lateral Wall Orbital Decompression: Comparison of Outcomes in Rim Sparing and Temporary Rim Removal Techniques.

To compare exophthalmos reduction in lateral orbital decompressions performed via rim sparing versus temporary rim removal techniques. The authors performed a retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent simple lateral or combined medial and lateral wall orbital decompression between 2005 and 2013 by a single surgeon. Nineteen patients (33 orbits) were identified for inclusion in the study. Decompression procedures (1 or 2 orbital walls) involved either a rim sparing or a temporary rim removal technique. Preoperatively, all patients had stable exophthalmos defined as ≤1 mm change in exophthalmos over 2 consecutive visits. Measurements were taken again at the 3 to 4 months postoperative visit. Exclusion criteria were acute or unstable exophthalmos, exophthalmos secondary to malignancy, and patients lost to follow up. There were no significant differences in exophthalmos reduction for rim sparing versus temporary rim removal techniques in any of the groups studied. Simple lateral decompression procedures achieved 3.7 and 4.4 mm of exophthalmos reduction in rim sparing versus temporary rim removal techniques, respectively (P = 0.49). Exophthalmos reduction in combined medial and lateral wall orbital decompression was 4.1 mm for rim sparing and 3.5 mm for temporary rim removal techniques (P = 0.75). In our experience, orbital decompression approached through rim sparing or temporary rim removal techniques achieves similar results in simple lateral and combined medial and lateral decompressions. Though these techniques generate similar outcomes, temporary rim removal provides for improved visibility and access to deep orbital structures.

The clinical and anatomical rationale of balanced transethmoidal endoscopic and lateral orbital bony decompression in the patients presenting with optic neuropathy caused by thyroid eye disease

The clinical and anatomical rationale of balanced transethmoidal endoscopic and lateral orbital bony decompression in the patients presenting with optic neuropathy caused by thyroid eye disease