Use of polytetrafluoroethylene (Goretex) in the palpebrofrontalis muscle suspension in ptosis

The PFTE (Goretex) is a new material of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene with biocompatible properties and little foreign body reaction. It is useful in correction of ptosis by suspension of lid to frontalis muscle avoiding the sampling of autogenous fascia lata in the upper leg. Details of the surgical technique are discussed.     

先天性上睑下垂379例治疗体会

目的 应用不同术式治疗先天性上睑下垂,并对手术效果及其并发症进行评价.方法 自2002年6月至2007年10月间,共收治先大性上睑下垂患者379例(460只眼).其中重度上睑下垂300例(381只眼),中度上睑下垂47例(47只眼),轻度上睑下垂32例(32只眼).行阔筋膜悬吊术196例(246只眼),额肌瓣悬吊术104例(135只眼),提上睑肌缩短术47例(47只眼),提上睑肌腱膜折叠术32例(32只眼).结果 术后满意率为94.6%,好转率为5.0%,总有效率为99.6%.其中阔筋膜悬吊术手术满意率为91.9%,额肌瓣悬吊术满意率为95.5%,提上睑肌缩短术满意率为95.7%,提上睑肌腱膜折叠术满意率为96.9%.手术后有50只眼(10.9%)出现各种并发症,主要有额部血肿、暴露性角膜炎、矫正不全和上穹隆结膜脱垂,经相应处理后均好转.结论 对于提上睑肌无力的重度上睑下垂患者,采取阔筋膜悬吊术或额肌瓣悬吊术治疗,术后重睑自然,远期外观效果较好.提上睑肌力较好的轻度上睑下垂患者宜采取提上睑肌手术,术后重睑弧度自然,并发症少,是较理想的治疗方法.     

先天性上睑下垂379例治疗体会

目的 应用不同术式治疗先天性上睑下垂,并对手术效果及其并发症进行评价.方法 自2002年6月至2007年10月间,共收治先大性上睑下垂患者379例(460只眼).其中重度上睑下垂300例(381只眼),中度上睑下垂47例(47只眼),轻度上睑下垂32例(32只眼).行阔筋膜悬吊术196例(246只眼),额肌瓣悬吊术104例(135只眼),提上睑肌缩短术47例(47只眼),提上睑肌腱膜折叠术32例(32只眼).结果 术后满意率为94.6%,好转率为5.0%,总有效率为99.6%.其中阔筋膜悬吊术手术满意率为91.9%,额肌瓣悬吊术满意率为95.5%,提上睑肌缩短术满意率为95.7%,提上睑肌腱膜折叠术满意率为96.9%.手术后有50只眼(10.9%)出现各种并发症,主要有额部血肿、暴露性角膜炎、矫正不全和上穹隆结膜脱垂,经相应处理后均好转.结论 对于提上睑肌无力的重度上睑下垂患者,采取阔筋膜悬吊术或额肌瓣悬吊术治疗,术后重睑自然,远期外观效果较好.提上睑肌力较好的轻度上睑下垂患者宜采取提上睑肌手术,术后重睑弧度自然,并发症少,是较理想的治疗方法.     

Treatment of Congenital Ptosis with Frontalis Suspension: A Comparison of Suspensory Materials

One hundred forty-five consecutive frontalis suspension procedures performed during the years 1976 to 1982 at the Wills Eye Hospital for the repair of congenital ptosis were reviewed. Results with nylon polyfilament cabletype suture (Supramid Extra®) as the suspensory material were compared to results with allogenic fascia lata. Forty-nine of the 121 polyfilament cable-type suture procedures (40.5%) were considered failures either because of ptosis recurrence (28.1%) or granuloma formation (12.4%). Only two of 24 (8.3%) of the fascia lata cases failed. No granuloma was associated with the use of fascia lata. The clinical and pathologic characteristics of ptosis recurrence and suture-rejection granuloma formation are discussed. Available preparations of allogenic fascia lata are reviewed and suggested as alternatives to the use of nylon polyfilament cable-type sutures for the repair of congenital ptosis.     

Long-term results of frontalis suspension using autogenous fascia lata for congenital ptosis in children under 3 years of age

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcome of frontalis suspension surgery for congenital ptosis using autogenous fascia lata for children under 3 years of age. DESIGN: Retrospective nonrandomized interventional case series. METHODS: This study included nine children (14 eyelids) with severe congenital ptosis aged less than 3 years. All patients underwent frontalis suspension surgery using autogenous fascia lata. Postoperative lid level results, ptosis recurrence, and cosmetic appearance of leg scars were evaluated after the operation. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 15.3 months (range, 6 months to 2.5 years) with a mean follow-up period of 41.6 months (range, 18 to 96 months). All children achieved satisfactory cosmetic and functional results, with no postoperative complications such as wound infection, corneal exposure, eyelid contour abnormalities, or ptosis overcorrection. No recurrence of ptosis was encountered. Harvesting was not difficult, and a sufficient amount of material was achieved. There was one patient (11.1%) with a hypertrophied leg scar. CONCLUSIONS: Frontalis suspension using autogenous fascia is proposed as a possible procedure for correcting congenital ptosis in children younger than 3 years of age. It appears to be an effective and feasible treatment for children with poor levator muscle function in this age group.     

Ptosis correction in the context of the treatment of external congenital ophthalmoplegia

The results are reported of our operative experience with 22 cases of external congenital ophthalmoplegia. The familiality, the muscular enzymes and isoenzymes, and often the skeletal electromyography have been studied, with the latter three being significantly altered in most cases. The main indication for surgery is the need to improve the anomalous position of the hyperextended neck. In the presence of inherent ptosis, this is achieved by suspending the upper eyelid from the frontalis muscle by using an autogenous fascia lata. A review of the previously published reports on eyebrow suspension leads one to conclude that autogenous fascia lata is the best material for this purpose.     

One medial triangular Tutoplast sling as a frontalis suspension for adult myogenic blepharoptosis

PURPOSE: The treatment of choice for medium to severe blepharoptosis with minimal or no levator function is frontalis suspension with a sling, using a rectangular or rhomboid sling placement technique. We describe the short-term, follow-up results of frontalis suspension surgery for adult myogenic blepharoptosis using Tutoplast, a commercially available fascia lata allograft. METHODS: We conducted a consecutive, interventional case study. All adult (>25 years of age) patients operated for non-traumatic myogenic ptosis during a 1-year period were included. All underwent frontalis suspension using one medial triangular Tutoplast sling. Success was judged according to lid position and complications. RESULTS: Successful surgical results were judged by lid level, lid symmetry and lid contour. During a mean follow-up of 9 months, the success rate was 91% in all three criteria and 100% in at least two out of three. No major complications were observed. The most prevalent minor complication was the need for lubrication treatment in 26% of the operated patients. CONCLUSION: The use of Tutoplast for frontalis suspension in cases of adult myogenic ptosis is safe and has a high success rate in the early postoperative period. Further large-scale studies are necessary to ascertain the longterm results and the applicability of this material to other indications.     

Alternating ptosis after bilateral frontalis muscle suspension for congenital ptosis

PURPOSE: To report an unusual response to bilateral frontalis suspension surgery for congenital ptosis. METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: A 6-year-old child with infantile esotropia and bilateral congenital ptosis received a homologous fascia lata frontalis suspension. After surgery, the patient exhibited an alternating ptosis, caused by alternating unilateral frontalis muscle contraction, which has persisted throughout 3 years of postoperative observation. CONCLUSION: Symmetric frontalis muscle activation may not always occur after bilateral frontalis muscle suspension surgery for congenital ptosis. Amblyopia, strabismus, or fixation preference may predispose patients to use unilateral brow elevation, despite bilateral frontalis muscle suspension surgery.     

Transconjunctival frontalis suspension (TCFS).

We have devised a frontalis suspension technique originally described in an article entitled, "Transconjunctival frontalis suspension for blepharoptosis" (Trans Am Acad Ophthal Otolaryngol 83:684-92), by Swan and Tongue in 1977. This modified transconjunctival frontalis suspension (TCFS) procedure is described. It has been used at the Oregon Health Sciences University in its original or modified form since 1970. To better understand how this procedure successfully corrects blepharoptosis in patients with poor levator function, a study was undertaken to discern the anatomic relationship of the suspension material to important ocular adnexal structures. The findings are based on gross anatomic dissection and histologic examination of a cadaver eyelid after postmortem transconjunctival fascia lata frontalis suspension. The distal, horizontal limb of the fascia suspends the central portion of the levator aponeurosis in a hammock-type fashion. The two vertical limbs pierce the aponeurosis at the level of Whitnall's ligament and incorporate this ligament. The fascia then exits the orbit through the orbital septum near the arcus marginalis and is incorporated into the frontalis muscle near the junction of the medial one-third and lateral two-thirds of the brow, temporal to the supraorbital neurovascular bundle. This anatomic location is not only relatively easily and safely attained, but also maximizes the principles of more traditional frontalis suspensions while minimizing the effort and surgical manipulation.     

Histopathological study of frontalis suspension materials

PURPOSE: This study is designed to find the most suitable frontalis suspension material by comparing the histopathologic findings of frequently used suspension materials in vivo. METHODS: Three kinds of suspension materials-autologous fascia lata, 1-0 Prolene suture material, and Silicone Band-were implanted in the white rabbit. Histopathologic study was done sequentially 1 week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks after implantation. RESULTS: Histologically, autologous fascia lata showed less inflammatory reaction and better incorporation with surrounding structures than the Silicone Band and suture material. Suture material and Silicone Band showed marked inflammatory reaction and did not incorporate or tightly bond with surrounding tissue in any of the samples. CONCLUSIONS: Fresh autologous fascia lata appears to be the most suitable material for frontalis suspension after histopathological testing.     

Temporalis fascia suspension in the treatment of ptosis

Fifty-three eyelids with severe ptosis were treated by frontalis suspension with temporalis fascia. The surgical indications were limited to cases in which there was absent or minimal levator function. The authors used this as a primary modality in patients with congenital ptosis, blepharophimosis syndrome, Marcus Gunn jaw winking syndrome, severe progressive external ophthalmoplegia, severe blepharospasm and post-traumatic ptosis. Temporalis suspension was performed as a secondary procedure after failure of various other procedures, including levator resection, and suspension with PTFE (Goretex), Mersilene, or fascia lata. Results after an average follow-up period of six months (two to 14 months) were good in 51 cases; in two cases release of the suspension and recurrence of ptosis were treated by re-suspension with fascia lata.

Temporalis fascia has been used in the correction of ectropion, lagophthalmos in facial nerve palsy and in reconstruction of post-traumatic eyelid defects. It has three major advantages: (1) it is autogenous and hence better tolerated than synthetic materials such as Goretex or Mersilene; (2) it is easily harvested, requiring only one operative field, under local anesthesia; (3) it yields minimal post-operative morbidity (no interference with ambulation, shorter convalescence). The disadvantage of this procedure is the fragility of temporalis fascia as compared to fascia lata, which limits its use to patients over six years old.     

Congenital Ptosis: Results of Treatment Using Lyophilized Fascia Lata for Frontalis Suspensions

In a prospective collaborative study, congenital ptosis was repaired using lyophilized allogeneic fascia lata as the suspension material for frontalis sling procedures. Over 50 cases of unilateral and bilateral ptosis procedures were performed by pediatric ophthalmologists during the initial study period. No infections or evidence of tissue rejection were reported during a follow-up period of up to 24 months. Four failures, ascribed to slippage, were noted within the first several months and required regrafting. In an additional case, minimal slippage occurred, but resulted in satisfactory lid levels. All remaining cases achieved satisfactory cosmetic and functional results. Most collaborators found this form of preserved fascia lata to be superior to nylon polyfilament, cable-type suture. Clinical features of the patient population included a high incidence of strabismus (28%) and amblyopia (24%).     

The enhanced frontalis sling for blepharoptosis repair

PURPOSE: To describe a simple modification of the frontalis sling procedure. DESIGN: Interventional case reports. METHODS: The fascia lata strips are passed superiorly with a Richard-Allan needle rather than trimmed at the central incision in the inferior forehead. RESULTS: Satisfactory and stable eyelid positions have been achieved in six patients. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing the area of contact between the fascia lata strips and the frontalis muscle should enhance the muscle's action in elevating the ptotic eyelid.     

Blepharoptosis repair by fascia lata suspension with direct tarsal and frontalis fixation

Nine patients with blepharoptosis and no levator palpebrae superioris muscle function were treated by fixating irradiated fascia lata to the tarsus and frontalis muscles under direct visualization. No recurrences were noted on follow-up, which ranged from four to 24 months. There were no postoperative infections or granuloma reactions. Cosmetically, the height, contour, and symmetry of the eyelid margin and eyelid crease were predictable and satisfactory. This modified method of frontalis suspension may provide a more predictable and cosmetically pleasing result in the treatment of blepharoptosis when minimal or no levator muscle function is present.     

Simple alternative to the Wright needle in frontalis sling surgery

The Wright needle is a widely used instrument for insertion of fascia lata or a synthetic material during frontalis suspension surgery; however, difficulties in handling this instrument are frequently encountered by many surgeons. We describe an 18-gauge needle with a 4/0 monofilament polypropylene suture as an alternative to the Wright needle for placement of the sling material in frontalis suspension surgery. Less slippage and easier control of the needle's direction and depth of tissue penetration result in more accurate placement of the material and a reduction in damage to the surrounding tissues.     

Advances in the diagnosis and treatment of ptosis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The surgical correction of blepharoptosis, both congenital and acquired, has been intensively examined and reported on for many years. This paper reviews recent publications on basic science, evaluation, technique modifications, and innovative materials in the care of ptosis patients. RECENT FINDINGS: The frontalis suspension technique is a commonly performed surgical correction of congenital blepharoptosis, used widely in the repair of ptosis with poor levator function. The repair typically includes using either tissue such as autologous or banked fascia lata or permanent suture material. The procedure involves connecting the motor unit (frontalis muscle) and the upper eyelid. Authors have recently reintroduced the technique of a dynamic frontalis muscle flap tunneled into the eyelid that directly attaches to the tarsal plate.Patients presenting with symptomatic blepharoptosis due to disinsertion or thinning of the levator aponeurosis require surgical repair. Multiple groups have tended toward a minimally invasive approach directed specifically at the levator aponeurotic defect. Proposed advantages of a small eyelid incision (8-13 mm) include less local anesthetic and tissue distortion, less ecchymosis and edema, decreased operative times, a shortened recovery period, and improved surgical results. SUMMARY: Surgical correction of congenital blepharoptosis may be performed with autologous fascia lata, cadaveric allograft, or permanent suture material. The use of a frontalis muscle advancement flap is elegantly designed; however, its role in clinical practice remains to be defined. Advancement of the levator aponeurosis for senile blepharoptosis may be preformed via a minimally invasive small incision approach. Patients benefit with decreased operative time, edema, ecchymosis, and recovery times.     

Long-term results of autogenous palmaris longus frontalis sling in children with congenital ptosis

PURPOSE: To investigate the long-term outcome of using autogenous palmaris longus tendon (PLT) sling for correcting congenital ptosis in children. METHODS: This is an observational case series involving 15 eyelids of 14 consecutive children with congenital ptosis who underwent frontalis suspension surgery using PLT in a university teaching hospital. RESULTS: One child had bilateral ptosis and the other children had unilateral ptosis. The age of patients at the time of surgery ranged from 2 to 7 years, with an average of 4.7 years. At a mean follow-up of 92 months (range, 80-104 months), all eyelids were successfully corrected with good lid height. No recurrence or other postoperative complications were encountered except one patient who developed a small skin fold over the PLT harvest site.CONCLUSION: Long-term lid position is remarkably stable after surgical correction using PLT. PLT sling appears to be a safe and effective treatment for children with congenital ptosis requiring frontalis sling operation. It could be a good alternative to autogenous fascia lata, and further studies, to compare these two sling materials seem warranted.     

Congenital ptosis. Long-term results of treatment using lyophilized fascia lata for frontalis suspensions

This report extends a prospective collaborative study published in 1982 of congenital ptosis repair using lyophilized human fascia lata to investigate the permanency of banked human fascia lata. Fifty-six patients are described with a mean postoperative follow-up of 7.2 years and a median follow-up of 8.3 years. Significant recurrence of ptosis was documented in 24 of 56 (43%) patients. New failures continue to be recognized even in the eighth postoperative year. Life table and survival analysis predicts a success rate from frontalis suspension surgery using lyophilized human fascia lata of 90% at 2 to 3 years, 70% at 5 to 6 years, and 50% at 8 to 9 years.     

同种异体硬脑膜额肌悬吊术治疗儿童完全性上睑下垂

目的探讨同种异体硬脑膜应用于额肌悬吊术治疗儿童完全性上睑下垂的临床价值。方法将酒精处理后的同种异体硬脑膜作为悬吊中间材料，对21例(30眼)儿童完全性上睑下垂行额肌悬吊术。结果全部病例随访6～48个月，治愈率95．2％，未见感染、睑内外翻、睑缘畸形、倒睫、暴露性角膜炎、慢性肉芽肿等并发症。结论同种异体硬脑膜作为中间材料应用于额肌悬吊术治疗儿童完全性上睑下垂十分理想。     

Optimised frontal suspension for correction of complicated ptosis

Complicated ptosis can be corrected by frontal suspension with autologous fascia lata. Via an open approach, the fascia is implanted between the brow and the tarsal plate behind the septum. The oblique implantation between the tarsus and the brow preserves the flexibility of elevation, closure and blinking of the upper lid. Additionally, the skin crease is improved by this technique.