Color Doppler imaging in thyroid eye disease and its correlation to disease activity

Purpose: To evaluate alterations in orbital color Doppler imaging (CDI) parameters and their correlation to disease activity and severity in patients with thyroid eye disease (TED).

Methods: Seventy-six orbits of 45 TED patients and 40 orbits of 40 normal controls were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. According to clinical activity score (CAS), patients were categorized to active (CAS ≥ 3) or inactive disease (CAS < 3). Patients were also classified as having mild, moderate or severe disease. Peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV), and resistance index (RI) in ophthalmic artery and central retinal artery, and maximum and minimum velocity in superior ophthalmic vein and central retinal vein were determined in all subjects.

Results: There was a significant difference in maximum velocity of superior ophthalmic vein and EDV and RI of ophthalmic artery between patients with TED and normal subjects. Superior ophthalmic vein maximum and minimum velocity and ophthalmic artery RI were significantly higher in patients with active disease than inactive cases. Disease severity did not affect the blood flow parameters independently. A cutoff point of 3.99 cm/s in superior ophthalmic vein maximum velocity yielded a sensitivity of 91.2% and specificity of 81.2% in detecting active disease.

Conclusion: Retrobulbar blood flow is altered in TED and is related to disease activity. Superior ophthalmic vein maximum velocity could be helpful in differentiation of active and inactive cases.     

Orbital decompression for thyroid eye disease

The literature regarding orbital decompression for thyroid eye disease is vast, spanning multiple specialty areas including neurosurgery, head and neck, maxillofacial, and ophthalmic plastic surgery. Although techniques have advanced considerably over the more than 100 years during which this procedure has been performed, the 4 major approaches remain: transorbital, transcranial, transantral, and transnasal. The explosion in literature related to orbital decompression has mostly involved minor technical variations on broader surgical themes. The purpose of this review is to organize the major approaches in terms of bony anatomy and to contextualize variation in transdisciplinary techniques within a common conceptualization.     

Abducens nerve palsy after orbital decompression

Introduction: Double vision after decompression surgery for Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) is well described in the literature and the incidence ranges from 0 to 64%. The Mechanisms for new onset diplopia after orbital decompression are poorly understood. Common theories include: Fibrosis of muscles, displacement of the muscle cone, and reactivation of the TED.

Aim: We present two cases with Abducens nerve palsy after uncomplicated secondary orbital decompression surgery.

Results: Two patients with inactive TED, who were followed for an average of 2 years prior to uneventful secondary decompression surgery, presented at the first postoperative visit with double vision and limitation of abduction in the recently operated eye. Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) was done in both cases and revealed no abnormal bleeding or scaring.

Discussion: Our two cases of Abducens palsy following reoperative orbital decompression may be due to ischemic neuropathy caused by postoperative hemorrhage or inflammation.     

Orbital decompression for thyroid orbitopathy

Background: Severe thyroid orbitopathy may result in optic neuropathy, corneal exposure and disfiguring proptosis, Orbital decompression has most commonly been performed for optic neuropathy, but with improved techniques, more patients are undergoing decompression for other indications. Purpose: This report evaluates the results and morbidity of orbital decompression for thyroid orbitopathy performed by one surgeon. Methods: The records of 33 patients (53 orbits) undergoing orbital decompression for thyroid orbitopathy were analysed for changes in visual acuity and colour vision (where the indication was optic neuropathy) and reduction in proptosis. Complications were also analysed. Results: Visual acuity and colour vision improved in all 33 eyes with optic neuropathy in the short term postoperative period (4 weeks), but later deteriorated in five eyes (6.6%) of 4 patients (19%). Proptosis decreased by a mean 5.3 mm (range, 1–10). Diplopia developed or worsened overall in 10 of 33 patients (30%), but only in one of 12 (8%) where the indication was cosmesis or corneal exposure. Diplopia improved in 2 of 33 (6%). All patients with symptomatic diplopia achieved binocular single vision in a useful range after one and sometimes two squint procedures. No patient lost vision as a result of surgery. Conclusions: Orbital decompression is effective in improving vision in most patients with thyroid optic neuropathy, but induces or worsens diplopia in a high proportion of these patients. Proptosis can be effectively and dramatically improved.     

Minimally invasive surgery for thyroid eye disease

Thyroid eye disease (TED) can affect the eye in myriad ways: proptosis, strabismus, eyelid retraction, optic neuropathy, soft tissue changes around the eye and an unstable ocular surface. TED consists of two phases: active, and inactive. The active phase of TED is limited to a period of 12–18 months and is mainly managed medically with immunosuppression. The residual structural changes due to the resultant fibrosis are usually addressed with surgery, the mainstay of which is orbital decompression. These surgeries are performed during the inactive phase. The surgical rehabilitation of TED has evolved over the years: not only the surgical techniques, but also the concepts, and the surgical tools available. The indications for decompression surgery have also expanded in the recent past. This article discusses the technological and conceptual advances of minimally invasive surgery for TED that decrease complications and speed up recovery. Current surgical techniques offer predictable, consistent results with better esthetics.     

The effect of orbital decompression surgery on refraction and intraocular pressure in patients with thyroid orbitopathy

Purpose

To investigate the effect of orbital decompression surgery in thyroid orbitopathy (TO) on both refractive status and intraocular pressure (IOP).

Patients and methods

A prospective, multicentre, consecutive audit of patients undergoing thyroid decompression surgery. Indications for surgery included cosmetically unacceptable proptosis or corneal exposure. Exclusion criteria included the following: previous orbital surgery, glaucoma, corneal disease, steroid use in the preceding 12 months, or an acute optic neuropathy. Automated refraction, keratometry, pachymetry, Hertel exophthalmometry, and IOP were recorded at 1 month pre- and 3 months postoperatively. IOP using the Tono-Pen (mean of three readings) was measured in the primary, upgaze, and downgaze positions.

Results

Data were collected from 52 orbits of 33 patients (East Grinstead, New York, and Adelaide). There was no significant difference between pre- and postoperative data for sphere, cylinder, or central corneal thickness (CCT). The mean spherical equivalent was −0.43±1.49 D pre-operatively and −0.28±1.52 D postoperatively. The steepest meridian of corneal curvature was 93.1 degrees pre- and 94.2 degrees postoperatively, with no significant difference. Mean IOP significantly decreased when measuring by Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT) (2.28 mm Hg, ^* P=0.001) and Tono-Pen (3.06 mm Hg, ^* P=<0.0001). IOP measured in upgaze was significantly greater than that in the primary position. Regression analysis between change in IOP and either Hertel exophthalmometry or the number of orbital walls decompressed was non-significant (^*Student''s t-test).

Conclusion

Patients with TO undergoing orbital decompression had, on average, with-the-rule astigmatism not affected by orbital decompression surgery. IOP was significantly reduced by decompression surgery although no relationship between IOP and the degree of decompression was observed.     

Acute thyroid eye disease (TED): Principles of medical and surgical management

The active inflammatory phase of thyroid eye disease (TED) is mediated by the innate immune system, and management is aimed at aborting this self-limited period of autoimmune activity. In most patients with TED, ocular and adnexal changes are mild and management involves controlling thyroid dysfunction, cessation of smoking, and addressing ocular surface inflammation and exposure. In patients with acute moderate disease, this being sufficient to impair orbital functions, immunosuppression reduces the long-term sequelae of acute inflammation, and adjunctive fractionated low-dose orbital radiotherapy is used as a steroid-sparing measure. Elective surgery is often required following moderate TED, be it for proptosis, diplopia, lid retraction, or to debulk the eyelid, and this should be delayed until the disease is quiescent, with the patient stable and weaned off all immunosuppression. Thus, surgical intervention during the active phase of moderate disease is rarely indicated, although clinical experience suggests that, where there is significant orbital congestion, early orbital decompression can limit progression to more severe disease. Acute severe TED poses a major risk of irreversible loss of vision due to marked exposure keratopathy, ‘hydraulic'' orbital congestion, or compressive optic neuropathy. If performed promptly, retractor recession with or without a suture tarsorrhaphy protects the ocular surface from severe exposure and, in patients not responding to high-dose corticosteroid treatment, decompression of the deep medial orbital wall and floor can rapidly relieve compressive optic neuropathy, as well as alleviate the inflammatory and congestive features of raised orbital pressure.     

深外侧壁联合内侧壁眼眶减压术治疗甲状腺相关性眼病

目的：探究深外侧壁联合内侧壁眼眶减压术治疗甲状腺相关性眼病的临床治疗效果及安全性。

方法：分析我科既往住院患者病历,纳入2019-01/2020-05在我科住院的符合纳入标准的甲状腺相关性眼病患者17例。所有患者均在全身麻醉下行深外侧壁联合内侧壁眼眶减压术,比较患者术前术后的视力、暴露性角膜炎恢复情况、突眼度、眼压以及并发症情况。

结果：所纳入研究的对象中,有甲状腺相关眼病视神经病变(DON)8例9眼,术前的最佳矫正视力0.78±0.15,术后1mo 0.36±0.12,与术前视力相比有差异(P<0.01),术后6mo 0.38±0.12,与术后1mo无差异(P=0.594)。术前眼球突出度23.75±2.55mm,术后1mo为14.85±1.53mm,与术前突眼度相比有差异(P<0.01),术后6mo为14.60±1.64mm,与术后1mo基本保持稳定(P=0.658)。术前眼压25.56±3.23mmHg,术后1mo为18.42±2.35mmHg,与术前相比有差异(P<0.01),术后6mo眼压降至15.82±2.57mmHg,与术后1mo眼压相比有差异(P<0.01)。术前有暴露性角膜炎6例6眼,术后1mo有4眼好转,2眼治愈,术后6mo 6眼全部治愈。术后患者复视情况均有不同程度减轻,并有部分患者复视症状在此后6mo持续好转,未出现其他严重并发症。

结论：深外侧壁联合内侧壁眼眶减压术可以有效地改善眼突,对DON及暴露性角膜炎等严重并发症也有良好的疗效,并发症少,是治疗严重甲状腺相关性眼病的有效手术方案。     

儿童甲状腺相关性眼病的临床特点及眼眶显像在其诊断中的应用

目的  探讨儿童甲状腺相关性眼病（thyroid associated ophthalmopathy,TAO）的临床特点及⁹⁹Tc^m-生长抑素类似物眼眶显像在其诊断中的应用价值。设计 回顾性病例系列。研究对象 2008年10月-2015年8月于山西医科大学第一医院就诊的儿童TAO患者20例,年龄6~14岁,平均（10.85±1.42）岁。方法 分析所有入组患儿的临床资料。其中13例患儿行眼肌B超及⁹⁹Tc^m-生长抑素类似物眼眶显像。计算眼眶⁹⁹Tc^m-生长抑素类似物显像剂摄取比值（UR）,并与25例成年人TAO患者及30例健康成年人志愿者进行对比。主要指标 甲状腺功能、眼征、眼球突出度、眼球运动、眼外肌B超、眼眶⁹⁹Tc^m-生长抑素类似物显像。结果 在20例患儿中,眼病初发时伴有甲状腺功能亢进症（甲亢）或亚临床甲亢18例（90%）,甲状腺功能正常2例（10%）。甲状腺病病程10天~36个月,平均（12.48±10.33）个月;眼病病程1~36个月,平均（10.40±10.17）个月。双眼发病者18例（90%）。眼睑退缩17例（85%）,眼球突出19例（95%）,眼球运动障碍2例（10%）。眼肌B超检查眼肌增大者10例（76.9%）,其中两条肌肉增大5例（38.5%）,三条肌肉增大4例（30.8%）,四条肌肉均增大1例（7.7%）;内直肌、下直肌、上直肌及外直肌增大的频率分别是75%、65%、40%及10%。三组眼眶生长抑素类似物UR均数分别为1.48±0.16、1.65±0.20和1.05±0.17,患儿组UR值与成年人患者无明显差异（P=0.294）,但两者均明显高于正常对照组（P＜0.01）;患儿双眼UR值分别为右眼：1.63±0.13,左眼：1.69±0.15,双眼间无显著差异（P=0.372）。结论 双眼发病、眼睑退缩和眼球突出是儿童TAO患者最典型的临床特点;甲功异常的患儿应常规进行至少1年的眼科随访;⁹⁹Tc^m-生长抑素类似物眼眶显像对儿童TAO患者具有明确的诊断价值。（眼科,2016, 25： 366-370）       

眼眶减压术对甲状腺相关眼病患者脉络膜厚度的影响

目的:探究眼眶减压术对甲状腺相关眼病(TAO)患者黄斑区中心凹脉络膜厚度(CMCT)的影响。方法:前瞻性临床研究。分析2021-01/2022-01在我科治疗的TAO患者29例42眼,根据病情严重程度分为中重度组20例30眼和极重度组9例12眼。两组患者均接受眼眶减压术治疗,比较两组患者术前,术后3、6mo CMCT、最佳矫正视力、眼压、眼球突出度、活动度评分(CAS)的变化情况。结果:所有患者均完成随访。术后3、6mo,极重度组CMCT、眼球突出度、眼压、CAS评分为355.13±15.59、339.61±13.17μm, 19.33±2.23、17.83±1.70mm, 18.86±3.05、18.09±1.37mmHg, 3.75±0.87、2.42±1.00分;中重度组为325.00±10.48、321.04±11.34μm, 16.07±1.74、15.6±1.98mm, 16.65±2.04、16.03±2.3mmHg, 1.50±0.51、1.43±0.50分,与术前(极重度组：396.46±17.61μm, 22.00±2.3mm, 21.85±2.82mmHg, 5....     

Colour Doppler ultrasound imaging findings in paediatric periocular and orbital haemangiomas

Purpose: To evaluate the combined grey‐scale ultrasonography (US) and colour Doppler imaging (CDI) as the first and primary imaging modalities in diagnosing paediatric orbital haemangiomas. Methods: The charts of 20 consecutive children with a periorbital mass echographically diagnosed as a haemangioma between January 2004 and June 2009 in the Tel‐Aviv Sourasky Medical Center were reviewed. Data on demographic details, clinical findings, US and CDI characteristics, treatment and outcome were retrieved. Results: Twelve (60%) haemangiomas were located on the upper eyelid, five in the lower eyelid (25%) and three in the medial cantus (15%). The tumour resolved completely in 10 children (50%) and in 10 children (50%) partial resolution was documented. Seven (35%) patients underwent treatment (intralesional or oral steroids or propranolol). Grey‐scale US depicted a solid‐tissue mass with low internal echogenicity. Mean haemangioma volume was 1.33 cm³. Colour Doppler imaging demonstrated intralesional flow with a mean peak systolic velocity of 15.2 cm per second and a mean resistance index of 0.51. All US and CDI examinations were carried out on alert children and no sedation or general anaesthesia was needed. During mean follow‐up time of 23 months, no child required any additional imaging or diagnostic procedures to confirm the diagnosis. Conclusion: Combined US and CDI are suggested as the first imaging modalities in cases with a suspected diagnosis of periocular and orbital capillary haemangioma.     

Bilateral versus unilateral thyroid eye disease

Aims:

The aim of this study was to compare demographics, clinical manifestations, associated systemic and ocular factors, severity and activity of patients with unilateral thyroid eye disease (U-TED) versus bilateral thyroid eye disease (B-TED).

Materials and Methods:

In a cross-sectional study, all patients with Graves’ hyperthyroidism and primary hypothyroidism seen in an endocrinology clinic were included from September 2003 to July 2006. Demographics, complete eye examination, severity score (NOSPECS, total eye score), and clinical activity score were recorded and compared in the B-TED and U-TED groups of patients.

Results:

From 851 patients with thyroid disorders, 303 (35.6%) had TED. Thirty-two patients (32/ 303, 10.56%) were found to have U-TED. Patients with U-TED (mean age 31.6 ± 11.6 years) were significantly younger than patients with B-TED (mean age 37.7 ± 14.7 years). Monovariate analysis (Chi-square and independent sample t-test) showed a significantly higher severity score in B-TED (U-TED 4.09±4.05, B-TED: 6.7±6.3; P= 0.002) and more activity score in B-TED (U-TED= 1.03±0.96, B-TED: 1.74±1.6, P= 0.001). However, multivariate analysis did not show any significant difference between the two groups in terms of age, gender, type of thyroid disease, duration of thyroid disease and TED, severity and activity of TED, smoking habit, and presentation of TED before or after the presentation of thyroid disease (0.1<P<1).

Conclusion:

This study did not find any significant difference between U-TED and B-TED in relation to the demographics, type of thyroid disease, associated findings, and severity and activity of TED.     

Management of thyroid eye disease in the United Kingdom: A multi-centre thyroid eye disease audit

This article aims to provide baseline data and highlight any major deficiencies in the current level of care provided for adult patients with thyroid eye disease (TED). We undertook a prospective, nonrandomized cross-sectional multicenter observational study. During a 3-month period June–August 2014, consecutive adult patients with TED who presented to nominated specialist eye clinics in the United Kingdom, completed a standardized questionnaire. Main outcome measures were: demographics, time from diagnosis to referral to tertiary centre, time from referral to review in specialist eye clinic, management of thyroid dysfunction, radioiodine and provision of steroid prophylaxis, smoking, and TED classification. 91 patients (mean age 47.88 years) were included. Female-to-male ratio was 6:1. Mean time since first symptoms of TED = 27.92 (73.71) months; from first visit to any doctor with symptoms to diagnosis = 9.37 (26.03) months; from hyperthyroidism diagnosis to euthyroidism 12.45 (16.81) months. First, 13% had received radioiodine. All those with active TED received prophylactic steroids. Seven patients who received radioiodine and did not have TED at the time went on to develop it. Then, 60% patients were current or ex-smokers. 63% current smokers had been offered smoking cessation advice. 65% patients had active TED; 4% had sight-threatening TED. A large proportion of patients (54%) were unaware of their thyroid status. Not enough patients are being provided with smoking cessation advice and information on the impact of smoking on TED and control of thyroid function.     

Color Doppler imaging in optic neuritis with multiple sclerosis

Purpose To evaluate the retrobulbar hemodynamics in eyes with optic neuritis with multiple sclerosis and to compare these values with those of the unaffected fellow eyes and healthy control eyes.Methods Thirty-four eyes of 17 patients with unilateral optic neuritis and multiple sclerosis and 16 eyes of 16 normal healthy subjects were recruited from the Departments of Ophthalmology and Neurology. The peak systolic and end-diastolic blood flow velocities and resistivity indices of the ophthalmic artery, posterior ciliary arteries and central retinal artery were measured in each eye with optic neuritis, using color Doppler imaging. Then, they were compared with those of the unaffected fellow eyes and healthy control eyes using paired and unpaired Students t-tests, respectively.Results The mean retrobulbar blood flow velocities and mean resistivity index in the ophthalmic artery in the eyes with optic neuritis were not significantly different from the unaffected fellow eyes and healthy control eyes, as well (P>0.05). The mean end-diastolic blood flow velocity in the central retinal artery (P=0.04) was lower and mean resistivity indices in the central retinal (P=0.02) and posterior ciliary arteries (P=0.009) were higher in the eyes with optic neuritis than in the control eyes. In patients with multiple sclerosis, the eyes with optic neuritis had higher resistivity indices in the posterior ciliary (P=0.02) and central retinal arteries (P=0.04) than did the unaffected fellow eyes. The retrobulbar blood flow velocities and resistivity indices of all vessels in the unaffected fellow eyes did not significantly differ from the control eyes (P>0.05).Conclusions This study suggests that optic neuritis with multiple sclerosis is associated with impaired retrobulbar hemodynamics, especially in the posterior ciliary and central retinal arteries when compared with the contralateral unaffected eyes as well as healthy control eyes.     

Current trends in orbital decompression

A questionnaire was sent to members of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS) and the Orbital Society in regard to indications, surgical techniques and results of orbital decompression for Graves' disease. It was found that more than 60% of orbital decompressions were performed for mild to severe exophthalmos to correct corneal exposure or disfigurement. A total of 3.9% of these procedures were performed to relieve visual loss in compressive neuropathy. The large majority of decompressions were performed using antral-ethmoidal decompression via a translid or fornix approach. The amount of retrodisplacement was greatest with Kennerdell-Maroon or four-wall decompression and the least with lateral wall decompression. The antral-ethmoidal and three-wall decompression techniques gave an average of 4 to 6 mm of retrodisplacement. It was determined from the survey that antral-ethmoidal decompressions performed through the transantral approach were more likely to relieve the pressure in compressive neuropathy and also more likely to induce a worsening of muscle balance. In contrast, antral-ethmoidal decompressions performed via the translid approach were not as effective in relieving compressive neuropathy but had a much lower incidence of worsened muscle balance, and in fact, resulted in a higher incidence of improved muscle balance. The same trends were confirmed in the author's surgical practice, and an anatomic explanation is offered. The importance of creating nasoantral windows following decompression is emphasized. The risks of cerebrospinal fluid leakage and changes in eyelid positioning following decompression are described.     

Orbital decompression surgery and horse chestnut seed extract improved superior orbital vein blood flow in patients with thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of orbital decomposition (OD) surgery in combination with horse chestnut seed extract (HCSE), as compared to OD alone, in patients with thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO). METHODS: Sixty-two orbits from 62 TAO patients were randomly assigned to OD or OD+HCSE at 1:1 ratio (31 received OD alone, 31 received OD+HCSE). Forty-two orbits from 21 healthy subjects were used as controls. Complete ophthalmic examination and color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI) were performed before surgery and 3mo post-surgery on all 62 orbits from the TAO patients. CDFI were also performed on the 42 control orbits. The effect of OD+HCSE and OD alone on TAO orbits was compared on several endpoints, including superior ophthalmic vein blood flow (SOVBF) parameters, subjective assessment, soft tissue involvement, lid retraction, diplopia, eye movement restriction, degree of exophthalmos, and intraocular pressure. The control orbits were used as reference for the SOVBF parameters. RESULTS: OD surgery with or without HCSE improved SOVBF, symptoms and soft tissue involvement, decreased degree of exophthalmos and intraocular pressure in orbits of TAO patients. The OD+HCSE combination led to significantly better improvement of SOVBF than OD alone. The differences between the reductions of SOVBF in the two groups are 1.26 cm/s in max-volecity and 0.52 cm/s in min-volecity (P<0.0001). CONCLUSION: SOVBF is significantly reduced in the orbits affected with TAO, indicating that congestion may be an important factor contributing to TAO pathogenesis. OD surgery improves the SOVBF, and combination of HCSE medication and OD surgery further improved venous return than OD surgery alone.     

眼眶骨折整复重建前后视力和眼球运动功能研究

目的：探讨眼眶骨折整复重建术对患者视力和眼球运动功能的改善效果及优化措施。方法：回顾性分析本院收治、行眶壁修复术加填充术的眼眶骨折单眼患者37例,分别于治疗前、治疗后1、3、6 mo测定患者的眼球突出度、视力及运动功能。结果：所有患者均成功完成手术,伤口Ⅰ期愈合,无感染、排异等不良反应,也并无过矫情况发生;随访至术后6 mo时,眼球突度的临床治愈率为59．5％,余40．5％欠矫。患者手术前后的复视程度有统计学差异（ Z＝45．167, P＜0．05）;术后1、3、6mo 临床痊愈率分别为46％、65％、78％,整体改善率分别为84％、89％、95％。患者手术前后的眼球运动障碍程度有统计学差异（ Z＝48．847, P＜0．05）;术后1、3、6mo 临床痊愈率分别为51％、68％、84％,整体改善率分别为86％、89％、97％。结论：眼眶眶壁修复术加填充术整复眼眶骨折能够有效改善复视和眼球运动功能障碍情况,准确评估病情、掌握手术时机和手术入路、选择合适的填充材料是手术成功的基本保障。     

Piezoelectric surgery versus mechanical drilling for orbital floor decompression: effect on infraorbital hypoaesthesia

Purpose: To compare efficacy and safety of mechanical drill and piezoelectric technology in the prevention of infraorbital nerve hypoaesthesia during orbital floor decompression.

Methods: Single-centre, non-randomized prospective, interventional case series. We enrolled 24 patients who underwent 3-wall orbital decompression. A total of 13 patients underwent floor decompression using 5-mm diamond dusted Piezoelectric tip (Synthes GmbH, Oberdorf, Germany), whereas 11 patients underwent conventional mechanical decompression of the floor using Stryker Core handpiece with 5-mm diamond dusted tip (Stryker, USA) and a Kerrison’s bone ronguer. All surgeries were performed by a single surgeon (MNN) using standard surgical technique. The infraorbital nerve hypoesthesia was measured pre-operatively, and post-operatively on day 1, at 1 week, 6 weeks, 3 months, and final follow-up by an independent observer. Hypoaesthesia was graded on a simple numerical scale: 0 defined as “normal”, 1 defined as “minimally reduced”, 2 defined as “grossly reduced but perceptible”, and 3 defined as “total loss”.

Results: The average follow-up after surgery was 16 months (range 13–48 months). The average score in the mechanical drilling group at day 1, week 6, week 12 and final follow-up was 1.9, 1.2, 0.7, and 0.6, respectively (p < 0.001). For the Piezo group, the average scores were 0.3, 0.2, 0.1, and 0.1, respectively. No procedure related complications were noted, and the average surgical time for floor decompression was comparable (p > 0.5).

Conclusions: Piezoelectric technology is effective in orbital floor removal by minimizing infraorbital nerve hypoaesthesia.