Cutaneous approaches to the orbital skeleton and periorbital structures

Efficacy of Altered Two-Point Fixation in Zygomaticomaxillary Complex Fracture

PURPOSE

To reconstruct a zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) fracture, zygomaticofrontal (ZF) suture is the most reliable site to assess anatomical alignment and to secure rigidity. It has been chosen primary site to be fixed, but approach through the lateral eyebrow incision may leave a visible scar. This study suggests altered two-point fixation of ZMC fracture without accessing the ZF suture.

METHODS

In the retrospective study, a total of 40 patients with ZMC fracture were divided into two groups (group 1, two-point fixation and group 2, three-point fixation). Patient demographics and follow-up were evaluated, and degree of reduction including cortical gaps of ZF and inferior orbital (IO) area, protruding difference of zygoma, and malar difference using asymmetry index were measured through preoperative and postoperative CT.

RESULTS

Preoperatively, the means of ZF displacement, IO displacement, protruding difference of zygoma, and facial asymmetry index between the groups were not statistically different. The result was the same after the operation. However, all variables were significantly different before and after surgery within each group. Moreover, mean operation time was significantly different between groups (P value = 0.026).

CONCLUSION

Altered two-point fixation in ZMC fracture excluding incision approaching the ZF provides surgical efficacy and similar surgical outcomes to three-point fixation but offers reduced operation time and fewer complications.

Comparing the left and right Whitnall's tubercles and their relation to the frontozygomatic suture: Application to symmetry following lateral orbital surgery

We compare, on left and right side of human skulls, the length of Whitnall's tubercle as a relevant landmark and anchor point for the lateral retinaculum. Twenty human skulls were used in this study. A caliper was used to measure the length of Whitnall's tubercle, the distance from Whitnall's tubercle to the frontozygomatic suture and the height of the orbit. An overall mean for these three parameters was calculated using the data obtained. There were no significant differences between left and the right sides. The combined mean length of Whitnall's tubercle was 4.9 mm ± 23%. The combined mean distance from the frontozygomatic suture was 7.8 mm ± 25%. The orbital height was found to be the measurement with the highest congruence between the two sides having a combined mean of 32.3 mm ± 7%. Although 6 out of 20 skulls were found to have no tubercle, five out of twenty skulls had a tubercle only on one side. Even though human skulls develop from bilateral symmetric osteogenesis, surgeons should always be aware of possible asymmetry and possible absence of Whitnall's tubercle between sides or among individuals. The frontozygomatic suture was found to be a useful landmark in identifying the position of Whitnall's tubercle in the majority of specimens. Such information will be useful in realigning the lateral retinaculum following surgery.

Coronal/Hemicoronal Approach - A Gateway to Craniomaxillofacial Region

AIMS

The coronal incision with its various modifications provides the most versatile approach to various areas in the craniomaxillofacial region coupled with excellent exposure. The aesthetic advantage of a hidden scar in the hairline, accounts for its continued popularity. The aim of this study was to review the surgical anatomy, technique and problems of post-operative morbidity pertinent to coronal approach in various clinical situations such as craniofacial trauma, tumour resections and reconstructive craniofacial procedures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, ten patients who presented to Oral and maxillofacial surgery department with various craniofacial problems requiring the use of coronal and hemicoronal approach for treatment were evaluated over a period of two years. Five patients needed coronal approach and another five underwent the surgical procedures through hemicoronal approach. This was an observational study.

RESULTS

It was observed that a well-planned and carefully designed coronal/hemicoronal incision with strict adherence to surgical principles posed minimal complication during surgery as well as post-operatively. None of the patients developed infection or heamatoma in the postoperative period. Sensory nerve deficits along the distribution of supraorbital nerve was observed in four patients of bicoronal approach and three patients of hemicoronal approach which completely resolved at the end of six months. Motor nerve weakness was observed in four patients in immediate postoperative period which gradually improved. But it persisted in one patient even after six months who had pathology of temporo-orbital region. All the patients had transient alopecia along the line of incision which improved at the end of six months. No other significant disadvantages or complications were noted.

CONCLUSION

This approach offers widest accessibility and visibility to the entire upper and middle one third of the face in less than twenty minutes as observed in our study. The postoperative complications are minimal, minor and outweigh the advantages for surgical treatment in any given clinical situation as observed in this study. This proves the brilliance of coronal approach in solving an array of surgical problems pertinent to craniomaxillofacial region with superior aesthetic outcomes.

ABBREVIATIONS

ZMC-Zygomatico maxillary complex, NOE-Nasoethmoidal complex, LF-Lefort, ORIF-open reduction internal fixation.

Traditional and contemporary surgical approaches to the orbit

Traditional orbital approaches are nearly a century old and still comprise the foundation of techniques used today. Computer-assisted planning and intraoperative navigation have recently been reported with more prevalence in the literature. The purpose of this article was to review commonly used approaches to the orbit: old and new.

Endoscopic correction of frontal bossing

BACKGROUND

Frontal bossing is a displeasing prominence of the supraorbital area. Aesthetic correction has been described as an open surgical technique. This report introduces an endoscopic approach to correction.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed on all patients who underwent endoscopic repair of frontal bossing from 2002 to 2009. Demographics, intraoperative and postoperative course, and outcome variables were collected. Standardized preoperative and postoperative photographs were used for analysis. Aesthetic improvement of the forehead was assessed with a four-point scale (1 = no improvement at all, 4 = significant improvement) by six randomly selected observers. Preoperative facial imaging (lateral skull radiography or computed tomography) was obtained on all patients to assess the thickness of the anterior wall of the frontal sinus.

RESULTS

Ten patients met the study inclusion criteria. Overall, the observers assessed the degree of frontal bossing correction as moderate improvement (2.67 on a four-point scale survey). All endoscopic frontal bossing corrections were performed on an outpatient basis by the senior author (B.G.). No patient was admitted to the hospital for postoperative complications. No complications (such as alopecia, hematoma, contour deformities, or penetration into the frontal sinus) were seen. The limiting factor in achieving optimal outcomes was inadequate thickness of the anterior wall of the frontal sinus. All patients had various concurrent facial rejuvenation procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic correction of frontal bossing is an effective and safe surgical technique in forehead aesthetics. This technique is ideal for patients with a mild frontal bossing deformity who have an adequately thick anterior frontal sinus wall.

Transconjunctival preseptal approach for orbital floor and infraorbital rim fracture

PURPOSE

To evaluate the transconjunctival preseptal approach for time required for exposure, adequacy of exposure, intraoperative and postoperative complications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Materials for this study involved 15 cases of maxillofacial injuries with orbital floor and infraorbital rim fracture.

RESULTS

The average exposure time taken for placement of incision till the exposure of the fracture was 21 min. Exposure obtained for fracture site was adequate in all cases, for the reduction of orbital floor and internal fixation of infraorbital rim. No cases had intraoperative and postoperative complications. In all cases postoperative esthetic outcome was satisfactory.

CONCLUSION

The transconjunctival preseptal approach is most effective surgical access to infraorbital rim and orbital floor and even to medial orbital wall. This approach is surgically similar in providing exposure and access, but aesthetically superior to other approaches and has minimal complications. There are no disadvantages to transconjunctival preseptal approach, if performed meticulously with sound knowledge of anatomy of periorbital tissues.

Eyelid approach to the anterior cranial base

Skull base approaches play a fundamental role in modern neurosurgery by reducing surgical morbidity. Increasing experience has allowed surgeons to perform minimally invasive approaches without straying from the premises of skull base surgery. The eyelid approach has evolved from the orbitopterional osteotomy into a more effective and targeted approach to disease of the anterior cranial fossa. In this technique, after an incision is made on the supratarsal fold, the orbicularis oculi muscle is incised, and a myocutaneous flap composed of the elements of the anterior lamella is elevated. Subperiosteal dissection is used to expose the superior and lateral walls of the orbit, the superior and lateral orbital rim, and the frontosphenoidal suture. A MacCarty bur hole is drilled, and a frontal osteotomy is fashioned medial to the supraorbital notch and extending through the orbital roof back toward the orbital half of the MacCarty bur hole, exposing the frontobasal brain. A conventional microsurgical technique is used to treat tumors and aneurysms of the anterior cranial fossa under the operative microscope.

Five patients were treated for unruptured aneurysms of the anterior circulation (3 anterior communicating artery aneurysms, 1 ophthalmic artery aneurysm, and 1 posterior communicating artery aneurysm) using the eyelid approach. The mean aneurysm size was 5 mm, and all aneurysms were approached from the right side. Three tumors in the anterior fossa (2 suprasellar pituitary adenomas and 1 craniopharyngioma) were also excised using this approach. There was no surgical morbidity. Three months after surgery all patients presented excellent cosmetic results. The eyelid approach may be considered as an effective, cosmetically beneficial, and minimally invasive skull base approach to selected aneurysms and tumors of the anterior circulation.

[Management of zygomatic fractures via a transconjunctival approach with lateral canthotomy while preserving the lateral ligament]

INTRODUCTION

This study reports on a modified approach to treat zygomatic fracture. For the surgical approach, a transconjunctival incision and, instead of a lateral canthotomy, a superficial incision of the skin and subcutaneous tissue was used, preserving the lateral ligament. The results are compared with those of previous techniques, especially the subciliary incision.

PATIENTS

In a prospective study, 30 patients (9 females and 21 males, mean age 32.1 years) with zygomatic fractures were operated using this approach. Mean follow-up time was 6 months after removal of the plates. Fractures were caused by trauma due to fighting, bicycle falls, or sport accidents. Follow-up radiographs were used to evaluate the position of the zygoma after reduction and rigid fixation.

RESULTS

Reduction and rigid fixation of the fractures were possible to perform in all cases. The access to the orbital floor and the exposure of the inferior and lateral rim were satisfactory and an additional latero-orbital cut was not necessary. The disadvantage of the complete incision of the lateral ligament with the necessity of intraoperative refixation and possible ectropium of the eyelid could be avoided. Injuries or infections of the cornea or the bulbus did not occur. Postoperative complications such as scar formation resulting in entropium or ectropium were not seen.

CONCLUSION

These results show that the transconjunctival approach with lateral superficial incision preserving the lateral ligament for treatment of zygomatic fractures is satisfactory in all cases of rigid fixation of both inferior and lateral rims. Because of its esthetic and functional advantages this approach has become standard in our department.

Supratarsal fold incision for approach to the superior lateral orbit

OBJECTIVE

To report and evaluate the use of the supratarsal fold incision for access to the lateral and superior orbit.

DESIGN

This is a retrospective evaluation of seven patients with zygomatic and orbital fractures who underwent repair with the supratarsal fold incision used to expose the frontozygomatic region or supraorbital rim. Data were obtained by review of hospital charts, radiographs, and by clinical examination.

RESULTS

Excellent exposure and access were obtained because of the proximity of the incision to the lateral and superior orbit. Mobility of the eyelid tissue allowed for atraumatic manipulation and retraction. All fractures were adequately reduced by clinical and radiographic examination without complication.

CONCLUSION

The supratarsal fold incision is a versatile incision for access to the zygomaticofrontal suture and supraorbital rim. In addition to providing excellent exposure, it produces a superb cosmetic result with a scar well-hidden in the skin folds of the upper eyelid.

Orbital marginotomies for treatment of orbital and periorbital lesions

Access osteotomies allowing temporary displacement of various segments of the orbital rim provide direct visualization of deep orbital and paraorbital regions. These marginotomies are classified, according to the orbital region involved, as lateral, medial, superior, or inferior, and they provide adequate exposure of the corresponding orbital wall and its surrounding structures. Since these procedures are without complications and cause no unpleasant cosmetic effects, they are highly recommended for the treatment of various lesions in this area as well as for correction of malformations.