Endoscopic repair of orbital floor fractures

Significant orbital trauma can result in orbital floor fractures with subsequent prolapse of the orbital contents into the paranasal sinuses. Prolapse of the periorbita can result in extraocular muscle entrapment, diplopia, enophthalmos, and even visual loss. Management of orbital floor fractures traditionally has been accomplished through transconjunctival and subciliary incisions. These approaches provide adequate visualization and cosmetically acceptable scars. Unfortunately, post-operative lid malposition can occur in a small percentage of cases. Another limitation is easy visibility of the posterior orbit, which often is obscured by prolapsed orbital fat. In light of these limitations, some surgeons have begun to evaluate an endoscopic approach to orbital floor fractures. The endoscopic approach offers a hidden incision, improved fracture visualization, and avoidance of post-operative eyelid malposition. This article reviews the indications, technique, and potential complications of endoscopic orbital blow-out fracture repair.     

Combination of transconjunctival and endonasal-transantral approach in the repair of blowout fractures involving the orbital floor.

In the repair of orbital blowout fractures through eyelid or conjunctival incision, it is difficult to see the posterior edge of the fracture and the condition of the herniated tissue before reduction of the orbital contents. Prolapsed orbital tissue or infraorbital nerve and vessels may therefore be damaged in the reduction.The recently advocated combination of traditional transconjunctival approach and endoscopic transantral approach allows reduction and reconstruction under clear endoscopic vision without a facial skin incision. We modified this technique to make it less invasive and applied it to the repair of orbital blowout fractures involving the orbital floor. The use of a 70-degree straight endoscope through an enlarged ostium as for functional sinus surgery allowed clear sight of the roof of the antrum. During the repair of the orbital floor through a transconjunctival approach, reduction and reconstruction was assisted from the antrum.Twelve cases of fresh blowout fractures were treated with this approach. There were seven male and five female patients. Mean age was 23.5 years. Causes of injuries were fights, motor vehicle or bicycle accidents, and sports. Patients with concomitant fractures involving the orbital rim were excluded. Persistent diplopia was present in eight cases and enophthalmos of more than 2 mm was detected in five cases preoperatively. The average intervals from injury to surgery was 22.8 days.Exploration, reduction and reconstruction of the orbital floor fractures were precisely performed with this procedure. Large orbital floor defects were reconstructed with silicone sheets, thin iliac bone grafts or nasal septal cartilage. In all eight cases that showed diplopia, ocular movement recovered and symptomatic diplopia disappeared after surgery. Enophthalmos of more than 2 mm was also improved in all five cases. One early case showed temporary entropion. Transient numbness of the cheek appeared in five cases and temporary maxillary sinusitis recovered in one case. Postoperative infection was not observed.This method provides visualisation of posterior edge of the fracture and the condition of herniated orbital contents before initiation of reduction. Dual manipulation by two surgeons is also possible in reduction and reconstruction of the orbital floor.     

Endoscopically assisted transconjunctival approach in orbital medial wall fractures

Full exposure of the medial orbital wall for fracture repair poses difficulty with traditional approaches except coronal incision, especially in cases of wide fracture. The endoscopic-assisted approach with limited incision has been introduced. The authors used the endoscopically assisted transconjunctival approach in 21 cases: 15 isolated medial orbital wall fractures and 6 cases of concomitant floor fractures. Through the medial transconjunctival slit incision, repair of the fracture using calvarial bone graft was undertaken with the aid of an endoscope. All patients recovered without any eye symptoms including clinically notable enophthalmos, but one immediate revisional operation was needed because of a displaced bone graft. Otherwise, the desired position of the graft was confirmed via computed tomography. The endoscopically assisted transconjunctival approach to the orbital medial wall provides improved surgical exposure of the most posterior and superior aspects of the fracture site, enabling more accurate reduction of orbital soft tissue and placement of bone grafts.     

Endoscopic transmaxillary reduction and balloon technique for blowout fractures of the orbital floor.

The indications for and timing of surgical treatment of blowout fractures of the orbital floor remain controversial. We report good results with the endoscopic transmaxillary reduction and balloon technique for blowout fractures of the orbital floor in the early stage after trauma in a consecutive series of 29 patients treated over the last 3 years, based on the following criteria: 1) diplopia observed by ophthalmological examination, 2) entrapment of intraorbital tissue at the fracture site on diagnostic imaging, mainly using CT scans, and 3) no improvement of diplopia during the acute phase (within one week of injury). Even in the presence of eyelid swelling, this method allows reduction and fixation of the fracture and impacted tissues simply and in a short time. Disappearance of diplopia was reported by 27 patients (93 %) within three months after surgery, and all 20 patients with enophthalmos were cured. There were only 4 cases with transient minor operative complications. Re-entrapment at the fracture site or relapse of symptoms was not seen during follow-up for 5 to 39 months (mean: 23.4 months). The combination of endoscopic transmaxillary reduction and the balloon technique for blowout fractures of the orbital floor is an effective and minimally invasive treatment with a high rate of improvement, not just for disturbances of ocular movement, but also for enophthalmos, which is often a problem in the long term.     

Delayed immediate surgery for orbital floor fractures: Less can be more

Orbital floor fractures can result in diplopia, enophthalmos, hypoglobus and infraorbital dysthesia. Currently, the most common treatment for orbital floor fractures is immediate surgical intervention. However, there are a number of well-documented cases of unoperated orbital floor fractures in the literature, culminating in diplopia or enophthalmos in few patients. Of these, none reported the diplopia or enophthalmos to be bothersome. As reported previously in the ophthalmology literature, most orbital floor fracture-induced diplopia resolves as the swelling settles, and the few patients with remaining diplopia can successfully be treated with surgery on the uninvolved eye. It has also been commented that most patients with enophthalmos are asymptomatic. The authors’ institution has more than 50 surgeon-years experience with delaying immediate surgery for two weeks to allow time for the swelling-induced diplopia to resolve. In the authors’ experience, true entrapment of the inferior rectus muscle is rare. The present article describes a study of late follow-up (average 945 days) of 11 nonoperated patients with orbital floor fractures. In the eight patients who initially presented with diplopia, there was resolution of functionally limiting double vision. Only one patient had asymptomatic, but measurably significant, enophthalmos at −3 mm. All patients had full restoration of extraocular movements and resolution of infraorbital dysthesia. None of the patients were exposed to the operative risks of ectropion, infection, implant extrusion, bleeding or blindness. The present study provides level IV evidence that delaying surgery up to two weeks after orbital floor fracture may avoid unnecessary surgical risks and inconveniences in many patients with orbital floor fracture.     

Endoscopic endonasal repair of blowout fractures of the orbital floor

Objectives: This study is to show the usefulness of the endoscopic endonasal approach in the surgical treatment of isolated blowout fractures of the orbital floor.Methods: Between 1997 and 2003 we operated on 65 patients complaining of diplopia due to isolated blowout fractures of the orbital floor, including 4 patients accompanied with enophthalmos. In 62 of the 65, only the endonasal approach with endoscope was used, while in the remaining 3 patients, we used the combined endonasal and transantral approach. To do the endonasal repair surgery smoothly under the endoscope, via the middle nasal meatus, septoplasty was supplemented in 13 patients and submucous conchotomy in 57. The bone fragments trapping the orbital content herniated into the maxillary sinus were carefully removed so as to keep the periorbita intact. Tampon gauzes or a balloon catheter for temporal fixation was placed in the maxillary sinus through the middle nasal meatus to support the orbital floor for 2 to 7 days. No permanent supporting material was used. Immediately following the repair and the fixation the eye traction test was respectively performed to confirm that the eyeball was freely moving.Results: Postoperatively diplopia disappeared in 50 of the 57 patients using only the endonasal approach, (87.7%) and enophthalmos improved 3 of 4 followed over 6 months.Conclusions: From this high success rate with respect especially to diplopia we conclude that the endoscopic endonasal approach is alternative to extranasal methods in view of cosmetics and the improvement of eye movement.     

Surgical management of ocular symptoms in spheno-orbital meningiomas. Is orbital reconstruction really necessary?

Spheno-orbital meningioma (SOM) is an intriguing tumor because of the many different factors that can influence clinical and oncological outcome after treatment. Reasoning that outcome indicator measurement is key to improving therapy, we retrospectively evaluated the management of proptosis and other ocular symptoms in 47 patients surgically treated for SOM at our department in the last 10 years. This patient series was characterized by a high rate of tumor infiltration of the extradural cranial base. Clinical outcome was assessed by comparing preoperative and postoperative ophthalmological and neurological signs. Acute postoperative complications were reported, and clinical and radiological outcome was assessed at 4–6 months, 12 months, and the last follow-up. Proptosis (measured by Hertel exophthalmometry), visual acuity, visual field defect (measured by Goldmann perimetry), diplopia (measured by the Hess-Lancaster test), and other disturbances were rated as normalized, improved, or unchanged/worsened. The most common presenting symptoms were proptosis (95.7 %), visual impairment (51 %), and cranial nerve deficit (38.2 %). Surgery via the frontotemporal approach was performed in all 47 cases, with the primary aim to relieve symptoms/signs and maximize tumor resection. Bony orbital reconstruction was never performed. Complete resection was achieved in 51 % of cases (Simpson grades I and II) with minimal morbidity. At a mean follow-up of 52 months (range, 12–112), proptosis normalized in 90.9 % and improved in the remaining patients, visual acuity normalized in 20.8 % and improved in 45.8 % patients, cranial nerve deficit subsided in all but two cases. The recurrence rate was 29.7 %. One of the gold standards of surgical treatment, normalization of proptosis, can be achieved by accurate resection of the superior and lateral orbital walls. In this setting, careful reconstruction of the frontobasal dura is far superior to bony reconstruction. Complete tumor resection should not be pursued at the expense of increased morbidity.     

自体颅骨移植在眶底重建中的应用

目的 评价自体颅骨移植在治疗面部外伤致眶底缺损中的作用。方法 对34例面部创伤眶底爆裂骨折（以下简称眶底骨折）有骨质缺损者,采用冠状切口取自休遭受,结膜切口加外眦切开入路进行骨移植修复缺损。结果 所有病例术后创口愈合良好,无感染。供骨区无并发症发生。1例术后3个月内有轻微下睑外翻,通过自行按摩半年后已不明显,8例术前有眶下区麻木者,术后1-6个月全部恢复,4例有复视者术后消失,通过半年至5年（平衡11个月）的随诊,移植骨成活良好,供受骨区切口瘢痕不明显,均取得了满意的临床疗效。结论 自体颅骨移植并发症少,对眶底的重建有许多优点。是眶底重建的理想移植材料。     

Long-Term Functional Outcome after Internal Delorme's Procedure for Obstructed Defecation Syndrome,and the Role of Postoperative Rehabilitation

Purpose: To evaluate long-term functional outcomes of Internal Delorme's Procedure (IDP) in patients refractory to conservative treatment for Obstructed Defecation Syndrome (ODS), and to compare those who received postoperative rehabilitation with those who did not. Materials and methods: All patients with ODS refractory to nonoperative therapy were identified across three regional pelvic floor referral hospitals, and IDP was performed. Postoperatively selected patients received biofeedback therapy. Functional outcomes were established using the Cleveland Clinic Constipation (CCC) score and obstructed defecation score (OD score) preoperatively at 12 months and at the last available follow-up. Patient satisfaction was assessed with a visual analogue score. Results: From October 2006 to September 2013, IDP was performed in 170 patients: 77 received postoperative biofeedback and 93 did not. Mean follow-up was 6.3 years (range 1–8 years). CCC and OD scores improved significantly in both groups after 12 months and at the last follow-up (p > 0.05). When comparing two groups while there was no significant difference between CCC and OD scores at 12 months, score was significantly better in the group that received rehabilitation at the last follow-up (p = 0.001). Patient satisfaction was higher in the rehabilitation group (67%) compared with those without rehabilitation (55%). Clinical recurrence was recorded in nine patients who did not have postoperative rehabilitation. Conclusions: It has been demonstrated that IDP is associated with good long-term functional outcomes. Patients receiving rehabilitation had a better long-term follow-up, a higher overall satisfaction, and lower recurrence rate when compared with the patients who did not receive postoperative rehabilitation.     

高密度多孔聚乙烯植入修复眶壁爆裂性骨折继发眼球内陷畸形

目的 探讨眶壁爆裂性骨折继发眼球内陷畸形的修复方法。方法1996年12月～2004年3月，共治疗眶壁爆裂性骨折继发眼球内陷患者56例，男30例，女26例。年龄22～48岁，平均32．5岁。受伤至手术时间16d～5年，合并复视患者34例，视力较受伤前降低者35例。采用下睑缘切口，于下眶缘骨膜下沿内下眶壁向眶尖方向潜行剥离。充分暴露骨折部位和松解嵌入上颌窦的眼眶组织并使其复位，使之成为骨膜下间隙。依据眼球的内陷程度，采用高密度多孔聚乙烯(porous high-density polyethylene，PHDPE)Medpor修复眶内下壁及其他眶壁缺损，矫正眼球内陷畸形。结果术后所有患者经2个月～5年随访，眼球内陷程度均稳定在2mm以内，无畸形复发及其他并发症发生。术后眼球内陷畸形均得到明显改善。34例复视患者中27例恢复，35例视力下降患者中9例视力较术前有不同程度改善，无复视加重和视力下降现象。大多数患者外观改善明显，其他患者也有不同程度改善，患者对手术效果满意。结论眶壁骨折整复术安全有效，手术应及早进行。Medpor组织相容性好、塑形容易、硬度适中、吸收率低、并发症少及手术效果稳定持久，是首选植人物。为防止眼球内陷畸形矫正不足，术中一般需矫正超过对侧1～2mm，严重的内陷者，术中矫正应超过2mm以上。     

Orbital blowout fracture due to true hydraulic pressure

In this report, we present an unusual case of an orbital floor fracture produced when a 56-year-old female was pushed in the face by the palm of her husband’s hand. After being pushed to the floor and held down with her face turned upwards, the woman’s husband applied pressure to her right eye region with his left palm. During this attack, she heard a cracking sound from her right orbital region, and felt dizziness, nausea, and diplopia immediately after the sound. CT scanning was undertaken, revealing a right orbital floor fracture which extended from the anterior portion of the floor to the orbital apex. A transmaxillary operation was undertaken 3 days after injury under general anesthesia. The herniated orbital tissue and fractured bone segments were reduced, and a maxillary balloon was inserted to sustain the reduced bone segments. The balloon was removed 5 weeks after the primary operation under local anesthesia. The patient’s right enophthalmos had cleared up, and CT scanning showed correct shape of the orbital floor 3 months after primary surgery. We conclude that this case of orbital floor fracture is the second reported case that supports a purely hydraulic theory.     

Surgical Treatment of Chronic Achilles Tendinopathy: Long-term Results of the Endoscopic Technique

Surgery has long been established as a valid alternative for chronic Achilles tendinopathies that have failed conservative treatment. Endoscopic procedures have shown satisfactory preliminary results for managing such injuries. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the long-term clinical outcomes of endoscopic surgery in patients with chronic midportion Achilles tendinopathy. We evaluated 27 endoscopic procedures in 24 patients (mean age 45.5 ± 8.9 years; 12 males and 12 females) with chronic Achilles tendinopathy and at least 5 (mean 7.7, range 5 to 14) years of follow-up. All ambulatory procedures consisted of paratenon debridement and longitudinal tenotomies. The clinical evaluation included 2 specific functional rating systems (the Achilles Tendon Scoring System and the Victorian Institute Sport Assessment-Achilles questionnaire) and a pain visual analog scale. Patient satisfaction with the procedure was assessed using a patient global assessment response to therapy Likert scale score. All patients had an improved clinical outcome at the final follow-up visit. Both scoring systems showed significant improvement in all clinical outcomes at the last follow-up visit. The Victorian Institute Sport Assessment-Achilles questionnaire score had improved from 37.0 ± 4.9 points preoperatively to 97.5 ± 12.1 points postoperatively (p = .0006). The Achilles Tendon Scoring System score had improved from 32.6 ± 13.1 points preoperatively to 97.2 ± 12.3 points postoperatively (p = .000006). The pain visual analog scale score averaged 0.2 ± 1.1, and the patient global assessment response to therapy score was 0.25 ± 0.71. The percentage of patients with an excellent patient global assessment response to therapy score was 85.1%. Two postoperative problems were reported (7.4%): a delayed keloid lesion and a seroma with chronic fistula. The infection rate and systemic complication rate were 0%. In conclusion, endoscopic surgery provided a high rate of excellent long-term results in patients with chronic midportion Achilles tendinopathy. Debridement of the paratenon and crural fascia, along with longitudinal tenotomies, using a minimally invasive procedure provided completely resolution of symptoms at 7 years postoperatively in 96% of patients in the present consecutive series.     

Diplopia and blepharoptosis associated with orbital emphysema following thoracotomy with lung cancer; report of a case

BACKGROUND: Orbital emphysema is a common complication of trauma and fracture of orbital bones. However, subcutaneous emphysema also can rarely lead to orbital emphysema. We reported the clinical and radiological findings in a patient with diplopia and blepharoptosis following thoracotomy for lung cancer. CASE: A 76-year-old man had undergone left inferior lobectomy and ND 2 a in October 2002, based on the clinical diagnosis of stage IB lung squamous cell carcinoma. He presented with diplopia and blepharoptosis several days following thoracotomy. Chest X-ray demonstrated extensive subcutaneous emphysema, and physical examination also revealed diffuse subcutaneous emphysema including face and palpebrae. Head computed tomography (CT) revealed subcutaneous emphysema in the infratemporal fossa bilaterally. His diplopia and blepharoptosis gradually resolved, and he was discharged with no visual complaints on the fourteenth postoperative day. CONCLUSIONS: Subcutaneous emphysema can lead to diplopia and orbital emphysema in the absence of orbital trauma. Early surgical intervention for air leakage is highly recommended to avoid both the orbital emphysema and the visual complications in the event that subcutaneous emphysema should get to including face or palpebrae.     

3D打印钛网预成形联合术后严密护理对眼眶爆裂骨折患者预后的影响

目的:探讨3D打印钛网预成形联合术后严密护理对眼眶爆裂骨折患者预后情况的影响。方法:选取笔者医院收治的眼眶爆裂性骨折患者122例,随机分为对照组和观察组,分别62例和60例。对照组患者予以常规钛网置入术,观察组患者予以3D打印钛网预成形,术后均予以视力监测、眼肌运动训练等严密护理。观察并比较两组患者钛网贴合度,复视、眼球运动及眼球突出等症状的改善情况。结果:观察组患者CT矢状位上修复眼眶底的钛网呈S形,对照组患者呈弯向眼眶内的弧形。术后3个月、6个月,观察组患者复视、眼球运动受限情况治愈率均高于对照组,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05);术后,两组患者患眼眼球突出度差值均降低,观察组显著低于对照组,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:3D打印钛网预成形与眼眶爆裂性骨折患者眶底契合度更高,联合术后严密护理对复视、眼球运动受限及眼球突出等症状的改善作用更好,患者预后更好。     

Endoscopic transmaxillary repair of orbital floor fractures: A minimally invasive treatment

Abstract

Although endoscopic transmaxillary repair of orbital floor fractures is a minimally invasive treatment, controversy remains regarding the method for supporting the orbital floor after elevation of the orbital contents. To date, a urethral balloon catheter has been widely used. However, it can be difficult to leave the catheter in place for a long time period due to the inconvenience, and prolapse of the orbital contents may recur in the case of its premature removal. This study described the techniques for endoscopic reduction and use of a balloon for orbital floor fractures. From June 2006 through November 2011, 30 of 52 patients (57.7%) with an isolated orbital floor fracture underwent endoscopic transmaxillary repair. A maxillary sinus balloon (#3007, Koken Co., Japan) was inserted into the maxillary sinus to support the orbital floor after endoscopic transmaxillary reduction, and the connecting tube of the balloon was pulled into the nasal cavity through the maxillary ostium. After confirmation of accurate reduction by postoperative CT, the connecting tube was shortened and hidden in the nasal cavity. The balloon was left in place for 4–8 weeks, and then removed via the maxillary ostium on an outpatient basis. Complete resolution of the preoperative diplopia was achieved in 93%, and no late-developing enophthalmos was seen in 97% of the patients. There were no significant complications. This technique is safe and permits prolonged retention of the balloon, without interfering with daily life.     

A retrospective study of treatment of orbital floor fractures with the maxillary sinus approach

The Cook County Hospital, Chicago, Illinois, protocol for the management of orbital fractures is presented. Diplopia which fails to resolve in 1 week or appears after oedema subsides, enophthalmos or radiographic depression of the orbital floor, associated tripod fracture deformity, or purulent maxillary sinusitis are indications for surgery. The surgical procedure is a modification of the maxillary sinus approach, which includes the use of iodoform gauze packing, nasal antrostomy, a double layer oral closure and prophylactic antibiotics. A review of 102 patients treated surgically over a 6-year period is presented. Post-operative diplopia was 9% and there were minor complications in 3%, which were significantly lower than previously reported series of orbital fractures treated either non-operatively, or through an orbital exploration approach. No patient treated non-operatively required surgery in the future. The protocol presented can eliminate unnecessary exploration and yields excellent results with a simple surgical procedure.     

Validation of Remote Collection of Patient-Reported Outcomes Using Patients' Smartphones

BackgroudThe purpose of this study was to examine the between-mode equivalence and the relative efficiency of the 2 available modes of patient-reported outcome (PRO) data collection: a web-enabled touch screen tablet and a smartphone in a sample of patients who underwent foot and ankle orthopedic surgery.MethodsA total of 136 patients who visited the clinic after foot/ankle surgery participated in the study. All patients completed the PRO questionnaire set using tablets at the hospital. After 24 hours of completing the first PRO questionnaire, the patients completed the same PRO questionnaire at home using their personal smartphones. The outcomes were statistically compared, and the patients'' preferences were surveyed.ResultsThe intraclass correlation coefficients for comparing the results of PRO measurements between the 2 modes were 0.970 for the visual analog scale, 0.952 for the Foot Function Index, 0.959 for the foot and ankle outcome scale, and 0.957 for the patient''s satisfaction. Sixty-eight participants (58.6%) responded that they were able to answer the questionnaires with more honesty at home using their smartphones. Regarding the mode, 60 participants (48.1%) responded that they have no preference between the devices.ConclusionsThe results of this study showed the equivalence of the 2 modes of PRO data collection: web-enabled touch screen tablets and smartphones. Smartphones may be the preferred mode of PRO measurement, due to their easy accessibility, increased privacy, and the patients'' increased honesty in answering questionnaires.     

Analysis of the postoperative outcome in 405 cases of orbital fracture using 2 synthetic orbital implants

The purpose of this study was to analyze the postoperative complications according to the location (floor/medial wall/floor and medial wall) of the orbital fracture of 405 patients during the past 10 years and to investigate the possible alterative data in postoperative outcome in change with the application of 2 synthetic orbital implants: porous polyethylene (Medpor) and hydroxyapatite (Biocoral). The medical records of 405 patients were reviewed especially for enophthalmos, diplopia, sensory disturbance in the area of distribution of the infraorbital nerve, and postoperative complications originated from the implanted material itself, from March 1993 to July 2003. Of the 405 patients, 214 patients were operated with porous polyethylene and 191 patients with hydroxyapatite. The complication rate of the porous polyethylene group was 5.6%, which was not statistically different from that of the hydroxyapatite group (9.4%). Also by the location of fracture, the complication rate of both groups was similar statistically. In the comparative category, enophthalmos was more frequent statistically in patients treated with hydroxyapatite than those treated with porous polyethylene, and no other significant differences were in postoperative outcomes between the both groups. The information provided in this report should aid in using porous polyethylene or hydroxyapatite for reconstruction of the orbital fracture and in accomplishing better postoperative outcome.     

内窥镜辅助下面部线性提升术的临床应用

目的 探讨内窥镜辅助下面部线性提升术在面部年轻化中的应用效果。方法 选取2017年 1月-2021年12月我院收治的46例接受内窥镜辅助下面部线性提升术的患者作为研究对象,均采用线条形材 料,记录手术效果和并发症情况,统计随访期间患者满意度。结果 46例患者均完成手术,无手术失败情 况发生。术后1周内,患者出现轻度肿胀和疼痛,但均能够通过冷敷和止痛药物缓解;术后1个月,部分患 者出现面部肿胀现象,患者满意度为80.43%;术后6个月,患者面部出现增生收缩现象,面部轮廓得到改 善,患者满意度为89.13%;术后10个月,患者面部均无其他不良反应,面部轮廓改善良好,患者满意度上 升至93.48%;所有患者均未出现严重并发症。结论 内窥镜辅助下面部线性提升术是一种安全有效的面部 年轻化术式,其能够提升面部深层和浅层组织,达到紧致和年轻化的效果。     

Free tensor fascia lata-iliac crest osteomusculocutaneous flap for reconstruction of combined maxillectomy and orbital floor defect

Reconstruction of maxillectomy with extensive orbital rim and floor excision defects is a challenging problem. The goal of reconstruction here is to provide adequate orbital support to prevent enophthalmos and diplopia as well as obturation of the palatal defect. The existing methods of the reconstruction fail to simultaneously address these 2 goals of reconstruction. A new method of reconstruction of these defects using tensor fascia lata-iliac crest flap was used in 7 cases of cancers of the maxilla, which necessitated extensive resection of the orbital floor along with the maxillectomy. The flap was raised as a muscle and bone flap in 5 cases and in 2, a skin paddle was included. The immediate and delayed outcome at 6-month follow-up was analyzed. The functional outcome with regards to the ocular position and function, palatal obturation, speech, and swallowing were recorded. The bone viability at 6 months was assessed by computed tomography scan. The flap was successful in all the 7 cases. The delayed outcome assessment showed that the orbital support was excellent with no diplopia in all the cases. The palatal defect could be covered successfully in all the cases, resulting in normal speech and swallowing. The computed tomography scan showed excellent integration of the bone. The free tensor fascia lata-iliac crest flap is a reliable and safe method of reconstruction of the orbitomaxillary defects, addressing the issues of both orbital support and palatal obturation.