Lower eyelid ectropion as a sequela of different underlying diseases in maxillo-facial surgery: Diagnostics and treatment approaches

Ageing increases risk of lower eyelid malposition after primary orbital fracture reconstruction

Lower eyelid malposition (LEM) is a common sequela after orbital fracture reconstruction. This study aimed to analyse the development of LEM, specifically ectropion and entropion, following primary orbital fracture reconstruction, to identify predictive factors for LEM, and to assess the effect of the eyelid complication on patients' daily lives. The retrospective cohort comprised patients who had undergone orbital floor and/or medial wall fracture reconstruction for recent trauma. Demographics, fracture type and site, surgery and implant-related variables, follow-up time and number of visits, type and severity of LEM, subsequent surgical correction, and patient satisfaction, were analysed. The overall occurrence of LEM was 8%, with ectropion in 6% and entropion in 2% of patients. Older age, complex fractures, transcutaneous approaches, preoperative traumatic lower lid wounds, and implant material were associated with the development of LEM. Of all patients, 3% needed surgical correction of LEM. Six of the 13 patients (46%) who developed LEM required surgical correction. The transconjunctival approach and patient-specific implants should be preferred, especially in elderly patients and those with more complex fractures. LEM often requires subsequent surgical correction, and the treatment period is substantially prolonged, with multiple extra visits to the clinic.

The Lateral Orbital Thickening and the Lateral Brow Thickening: A New Choice for the Lower Eyelid Suspension

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a double-suspension technique using the lateral orbital thickening (LOT) and the lateral brow thickening (LBT) in patients with lower eyelid defects. A total of 5 cadavers (4 males and 1 female) ranging in age from 50 to 78 years was subjected to observe the distribution of the orbicularis retaining ligament (ORL) and its characteristics. The ORL is a closed-loop structure that forms the LBT outside the supraorbital rim and forms the LOT in the lateral canthal region. A total of 17 patients (12 females and 5 males) with an average age of 12.3 years who underwent the ORL-assisted lower eyelid reconstruction were included in this retrospective study. After the ORL was completely released on the infraorbital rim for reducing down traction, the subocularis oculi fat and the orbicularis oculi were fixed to the LBT and the LOT for increasing the upward traction. The lower eyelid defects in 17 patients were reduced in different degrees. The defects were closed directly in 3 patients and were resurfaced by skin graft or flap in the other 14 patients. Physicians and patients were all satisfied with the final cosmetic results. Thus, the ORL is a rigid and restrictive internal connected structure, and the ORL-assisted technique decreases the defect size and reconstructs vertical force balance. The LOT and the LBT are strong and safe enough as new fixation choices for lower eyelid suspension.

Comparison of the two techniques for involutional lower eyelid entropion: A retrospective study

Evaluation of the surgical outcome and the patient satisfaction between the modified Wies technique and the Jones retractor plication technique for involutional lower eyelid entropion without horizontal eyelid laxity. Patients who underwent the modified Wies technique (group 1) and the Jones retractor plication technique (group 2) for correction of involutional lower eyelid entropion without horizontal eyelid laxity between January 2014 and January 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with horizontal eyelid laxity; cicatricial, congenital or iatrogenic entropion; and less than 6 months of follow-up time were excluded. The main outcome measures were the recurrence rate, correct anatomical position of the eyelid, symptom relief, and postoperative complications for both groups. 37 patients (41 eyes) in Group 1 and 34 patients (34 eyes) in Group 2 were enrolled in the study. Mean age ± SD was 75.6 ± 8.5 years in Group 1 and 73.4 ± 7.9 years in Group 2 (p:0.255). The mean follow-up time (range) was 24.3 (6-80) months in group 1 and 25.3 (6-78) months in group 2 (p:0.818). Two patients in Group 1 and seven patients in Group 2 had a recurrence during the follow-up period (p:0.07). Based on the results of the study, it seems that the modified Wies technique may be a good alternative in suitable patients, as it has satisfactory surgical results.