Laterocaudal approach to the inferior rim of the orbit

Abstract

Purpose: Fractures of the orbital floor and orbital rim are frequently treated in maxillofacial departments. Various approaches to the orbital floor are described in the literature. We present an investigation of a modified subciliary approach (laterocaudal approach) with respect to its feasibility and clinical outcome.

Materials and methods: Our retrospective study investigated 130 well-documented cases of patients with orbital floor fractures who received surgical reconstruction using a laterocaudal approach, and compared the results with the current literature, with a focus on subciliary and transconjunctival approaches.

Results: 111 patients (85.4%) presented a Vancouver scar scale (VSS) of 0.14 patients (10.8%) had a VSS score of 1. No patients had a VSS of 2. Just five patients (3.8%) had a slight ectropium and therefore a VSS score of 3.

Conclusion: The laterocaudal approach can be safely performed and presents advantages over comparable techniques such as the subciliary and transconjunctival approaches if performed correctly.

Keywords: Inferior orbital rim; Laterocaudal approach; Orbital floor fracture; Orbital surgery; Postsurgical scar; Transcutaneous orbital approach.