Exposure of the inferior orbit with fornix incision and lateral canthotomy

Ophthalmic Surg. 1979 Jun;10(6):53-63.

Abstract

Exposure of the inferior orbit is necessary for exploration of the orbit for repair of orbital fractures, reconstruction of the orbit to correct enophthalmos with a volume implant, and decompression of the orbit to relieve the symptoms and improve appearance in cases of dysthyroid exophthalmos. The usual approach to the inferior orbit has been through a subciliary skin incision and dissection of a skin flap to the orbital rim. A technique is presented which utilizes an inferior fornix conjunctival incision combined with a lateral canthotomy and outward rotation of the lower lid. The advantages of this technique are that it avoids a lengthy skin incision with dissection which may present skin shrinkage if repeated surgery is necessary, employs a very simple closure, and provides better exposure of the nasal, inferior and lateral orbits while leaving the lower lid structures intact, preserving its integrity.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Eyelids / surgery*
  • Female
  • Graves Disease / surgery
  • Humans
  • Lymphangioma / surgery
  • Male
  • Methods
  • Orbit / injuries
  • Orbit / surgery*
  • Orbital Neoplasms / surgery
  • Skull Fractures / surgery