Surgical correction of senile entropion of the lower lid with fascia lata sling

Correction of lower lid retraction combined with entropion using an ear cartilage graft in the anophthalmic socket

PURPOSE

To investigate the surgical results of an ear cartilage graft and supplemental procedures for correcting lower lid retraction combined with entropion in anophthalmic patients.

METHODS

We reviewed retrospectively the medical records of 7 anophthalmic patients with lower lid retraction and entropion, who received a posterior lamellar ear cartilage graft and one or both of lateral tarsal strip or eyelash-everting procedure between March 1998 and March 2003. Preoperative and postoperative lid and socket statuses were also investigated.

RESULTS

Ear cartilage grafts were performed in all 7 patients, lateral tarsal strips in 6, and eyelash-everting procedures in 5. Postoperative follow-up durations ranged from 4 to 28 months (average 12.6 months). Retractions were corrected during follow-up in all patients. There were no cases of entropion immediately after surgery. However, the eyelashes of the lower lid returned to an upright position in 4 patients, but not so severe as to touch the ocular prosthesis, and thus did not require surgical correction during follow up.

CONCLUSIONS

Lower lid retraction combined with entropion in anophthalmic patients can be corrected effectively using an ear cartilage graft with selective, supplemental procedures.

Autogenous Fascia Lata Grafts: Clinical Applications in Reanimation of the Totally or Partially Paralyzed Face

BACKGROUND

Although they are traditionally reserved for "aesthetic refinement" in the latter stages of facial reanimation surgery, the author uses a variety of autogenous fascia lata grafts in a very aggressive approach as the primary therapeutic option in static facial rebalancing and/or in conjunction with dynamic muscle transfers to achieve architectural integrity and functional restoration of the totally or partially paralyzed face.

METHODS

Forty-nine autogenous fascia lata grafts, harvested through serial incisions in the lateral thigh, were placed in 35 totally or partially paralyzed faces. The grafts were categorized by anatomical location: I and II, lateral lip in totally paralyzed and partially paralyzed faces, respectively; III, nostril suspension; IV, lower eyelid suspension; V, bimalar lower lip sling; and VI, platysma transfer/autogenous fascia lata extension for lower lip invagination.

RESULTS

In all group I and II cases, static balance of facial architecture was restored at 4 to 6 weeks (after swelling resolved). Average lip commissure displacement was corrected to within 0.5 cm of the horizontal axis. Subjective functional improvement in speech, fluid retention, and chewing was immediate in all cases. In group I (n = 10; median age, 10.5 years), a 60 to 100 percent symmetrical smile was achieved with voluntary gracilis contraction of 3 of 5 to 5 of 5. In group II (n = 20; median age, 33 years), with 16 sling only patients, one to two grades of voluntary risorius and lip elevator motion were achieved in most. When accompanied by a temporalis turnover flap, both risorius and lip elevator function improved two to three grades. In group III (n = 5), inspiratory collapse was ameliorated in all cases and nasal flow improved subjectively 80 to 100 percent. In group IV (n = 4), scleral show and keratitis were improved in all cases. In group V (n = 6), improved oral competence was achieved in all patients. In group VI (n = 4), static lip evagination was achieved in all cases; voluntary lip depressor function was two to four grades improved.

CONCLUSIONS

Early placement of autogenous fascia lata restores static balance of the deeper facial architecture in repose. Functional improvement of chewing, fluid retention, speech articulation, smile symmetry, and ectropion is immediate. The psychological effect is also immediate, with achievement of self-esteem and acceptance by family and peers.

The use of autogenous fascia lata to correct lid and orbital deformities

Autogenous and homologous fascia lata have been used to correct many problems in ophthalmic surgery. This paper has described the use of autogenous fascia late to correct lid retraction secondary to thyroid ophthalmopathy, cicatricial entropion and extruding orbital implants. The surgical procedures have been briefly discussed, as well as the presentation of one clinical example of each procedure the pathologic and immunologic aspects of fascia lata grafts will be reported at a later date.