Lower eyelid retraction repair using autologous auricular scapha cartilage.

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy of lower eyelid retraction surgery utilizing autologous auricular scapha cartilage (located within the anterior surface groove between the helix and anti-helix) and to present the surgical outcomes in a patient cohort. METHODS: Medical records of 21 patients who underwent lower eyelid retraction surgery with scapha cartilage were retrospectively reviewed. Retractions, present for an extended duration (6 months to 20 years), exhibited 1 mm or more inferior scleral show, attributed to prior lower eyelid blepharoplasty, facial palsy, or as a normal anatomical variation. Surgical interventions included lateral canthotomy, cantholysis, incision of the subtarsal conjunctiva-lower eyelid retractors, lower eyelid retractor lysis, cartilage graft suturing to the defect area without conjunctival cover, and tightening of the lateral canthal corner in all patients. RESULTS: A total of 29 eyelids in 21 patients underwent surgery without intraoperative complications. Over a mean follow-up period of 11 months (range: 6-30 months), lower lid retraction improved in 96.5% of eyelids. Postoperative margin-to-reflex distance measurements (MRD2) significantly decreased compared to preoperative values (p = 0.001; p < 0.01). Average improvements in MRD2-a (midpupil to lower lid) and MRD2-b (lateral limbus to lower lid) were 1.77 ± 0.80 and 2.04 ± 0.81, respectively (p = 0.001; p < 0.01). Four eyelids (4/29) required revision due to canthal corner loosening, with correction necessitating periosteal flaps. All four patients had previously undergone two or more repairs elsewhere. The graft was visible in two lids but did not require further revision. One patient experienced mild helix deformity at the donor site, which did not warrant additional intervention. CONCLUSION: In cases of lower lid retraction associated with middle/posterior lamellar shortening, utilizing an autologous auricular scapha cartilage spacer graft offers notable benefits. These advantages comprise straightforward harvesting with minimal donor site complications, stability without experiencing shrinkage, a softer texture in comparison to posterior cartilage, a concave shape that facilitates proper fitting on the globe, and its autologous nature.

Buccal mucosal membrane graft for correction of cicatricial lower eyelid retraction.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the outcomes of a surgical technique using buccal mucosal membrane graft for correction of cicatricial lower eyelid retraction. METHODS: Twelve patients with unilateral cicatricial lower eyelid retraction were enrolled in the study. All patients underwent a four-step surgical technique consisted of release of scars, midface lift, transfer of buccal mucosal membrane to posterior lamella as spacer graft, and canthal tightening. All patients were followed for at least 12 months. RESULTS: Mean preoperative Margin-to-Reflex-Distance 2 (MRD2) was 7.73 ± 1.10 mm, compared to mean postoperative MRD2 of 5.04 ± 0.49 mm (P < 0.0001). The mean improvement in retraction was 2.69 mm. Postoperative scleral show was present in only one case and no major complications were observed. CONCLUSION: The four-step procedure (scar release, midface lift, buccal mucosal graft and canthal tightening) was an effective procedure to correct cicatricial lower eyelid retractions with acceptable outcomes and a low morbidity rate.

The effects of using spacer grafts on lower-eyelid retraction surgery in patients with facial nerve palsy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of the concomitant use of spacer grafts in lateral tarsal strip surgery in patients with facial nerve palsy-related lower-eyelid retraction. METHODS: Patients who underwent lateral tarsal strip surgery to correct facial nerve palsy-related lower-eyelid retraction were retrospectively reviewed. Postoperative decreases in marginal reflex distance-2 values at 1, 2 and 6 months were measured along with the effects of spacer grafts. RESULTS: Forty-five patients (28 males) were included (mean age: 59.56 years). Mean preoperative marginal reflex distance-2 was 6.87 ± 1.34 mm. Twenty patients underwent lateral tarsal strip surgery only (lateral tarsal strip-only); 25 patients underwent lateral tarsal strip surgery using spacer grafts (lateral tarsal strip + graft). Median (interquartile range) follow-up duration was 12.0 (6.0-23.0) months. Retraction was significantly improved and maintained at 1, 2 and 6 months postoperatively in all patients (mean marginal reflex distance-2: 3.78 ± 1.06 mm, 4.30 ± 1.23 mm and 4.72 ± 1.11 mm, respectively). Surgical outcomes were significantly better in the lateral tarsal strip + graft than in the lateral tarsal strip-only group (Δmarginal reflex distance-2: 3.92 vs. 2.05 mm at 1 month, p < 0.001; 3.38 vs. 1.61 mm at 2 months, p = 0.001; 2.88 vs. 1.69 at 6 months, p = 0.042). Subgroup analyses by spacer graft type revealed no significant differences. CONCLUSION: The concomitant use of spacer material in lateral tarsal strip surgery yielded better surgical outcomes than lateral tarsal strip surgery alone. The use of spacer grafts should be considered for correcting severe facial nerve palsy-related lower-eyelid retraction.

Lower eyelid excursion: A functional and cosmetically relevant parameter in the treatment of lower eyelid retraction.

The purpose of this study was to assess and quantify lower lid excursion following repair of lower lid retraction. In this retrospective cohort study, a case review of patients who had undergone ear cartilage grafting for lower lid retraction was undertaken. Surgical correction involved the placement of autologous cartilage between the tarsal plate and lower lid retractors. Measurements taken preoperatively and postoperatively were the marginal reflex 2 (MRD2) and the lower scleral show (LSS). The lower lid excursion on downgaze (LLE) was measured only postoperatively with a comparison made between operated eyes and control eyes. Thirteen eyelids of 10 patients were included in the study. Preoperatively, MRD-2 ranged from 4 to 8 mm (6.5 ±â€¯1.5 mm) - mean ±â€¯SD. Postoperatively, MRD-2 ranged from 4 to 6 mm (5.1 ±â€¯0.7 mm). The difference in mean MRD2 was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Preoperatively, LSS ranged from 0 to 5 mm (2.5 ±â€¯1.6 mm). Postoperatively, LSS ranged from 0-1 mm (0.1 ±â€¯0.3 mm). The difference in mean LSS was statistically significant (p < 0.01). Postoperatively, all lower eyelids achieved movement on downgaze. On the operated eyes, the eyelid excursion ranged from 2 to 5 mm (3.1 ±â€¯1.0 mm) on downgaze. On the nonoperated (control) eyes (where the operations were not performed bilaterally), the eyelid excursion ranged from 1 to 4 mm (2.8 ±â€¯1.2 mm). There was no statistically significant difference in the lid excursion of operated and nonoperated eyes (p > 0.05). It is possible to correct lower lid retraction in both primary and secondary positions of gaze if an appropriate surgical technique is employed.

Simultaneous ipsilateral transconjunctival repair of upper and lower eyelid retraction in thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy.

PURPOSE: To report a simple, highly effective technique of simultaneous transconjunctival repair of upper and lower eyelid retraction in patients with thyroid eye disease (TED). METHODS: A retrospective interventional case review was conducted on 22 eyes of 19 TED patients. The lower eyelid was recessed with placement of a tarsoconjunctival spacer graft harvested from the upper eyelid. The upper eyelid was then recessed through the conjunctival incision used to harvest the tarsal graft. A temporary tarsorrhaphy was placed for 5-7 days. The postoperative outcome was assessed by measuring the margin reflex distance of the upper eyelid (MRD1), inferior scleral show (ISS), and lagophthalmos. RESULTS: The absolute change in MRD1 ranged from 0 to 5 mm with an average of 1.86 ± 1.34 mm. The absolute change in ISS ranged from 0 to 2 mm with an average of 1.3 ± 0.49 mm. One patient had postoperative lagophthalmos and 17 of 19 had improvement in their ocular surface exposure symptoms. None of the patients' grafts were observed to undergo absorption during the postoperative course. CONCLUSIONS: This technique of harvesting a free tarsoconjunctival graft from the upper eyelid as a posterior spacer for the lower while simultaneously recessing the upper eyelid through the same incision is an effective and durable method of correcting eyelid retraction in TED.

Correction of Retracted Ala Using Spacer Graft in Secondary Cleft Lip and Nose Deformity

PURPOSE: In patients with unilateral cleft lip and nose deformity, alar retraction is commonly seen on the non-cleft side after cleft side is corrected. Spacer graft was used to drag down the inferior border of the alar cartilage of the non-cleft side so as to match the cleft side. By performing spacer graft and septal extension graft together, symmetry and cosmetic improvements were achieved. METHODS: Seven unilateral cleft lip and nose deformity patients underwent surgery for alar retraction correction. The median age was 24 years (ranged from 15 to 34 years), and the median follow-up period was 7.4 months (ranged from 6 to 12 months). The perpendicular length from the longitudinal axis of the nostril to the alar rim, the nasolabial angle and the ala-labial angle were measured in the lateral view photo. The longest perpendicular length from the cephalic border of the alar rim to the parallel line of the alar base was measured in the frontal view photo. RESULTS: Improvement in alar retraction was seen after the surgery. There were no specific complications during the follow-up and the symmetry of both nostrils was satisfactory. No increase in the nasolabial angle or exposure of the nostrils was seen after the tip projection via tip plasty. CONCLUSION: The fundamental factor in correcting alar retraction with secondary cleft lip and nose deformity is repositioning the alar rim with spacer graft, which seems to be more physiologic than other methods. The method combining spacer graft with septal extension graft will bring symmetry as well as more cosmetic improvement in correction of alar retraction with secondary cleft lip and nose deformity.

Spacer graft using deep temporal fascia in the treatment of paralytic ectropion / 나학회지

BACKGROUND: Spacer graft is known to be a very effective surgical method in the treatment of paralytic ectropion. OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to evaluate deep temporal fascia as a spacer instead of Alloderm in spacer graft to correct paralytic ectropion. METHODS: In seven patients with the lower lid ectropion as a sequela of Hansen's disease, a strip of deep temporal fascia, 4.0cm long and 0.5cm wide, was obtained from the scalp. A separation between the tarsal plate and the capsulopalpebral fascia was made and the strip was inserted into the space. Two ends of the strip were fixed to the medial and lateral canthal ligaments respectively like a sling. RESULT: In all patients, immediate postoperative improvement was achieved, which was to the same degree in the patients treated with Alloderm previously reported. And no serious complications were observed in both donor and graft sites. CONCLUSION: As a spacer in spacer graft, patient's own deep temporal fascia shows good cost-effectiveness ratio and can be an alternative to Alloderm. However, further studies are neccessory to find out the long term efficacy, especially recurrence.

Spacer Graft Combined with Canthal Sling in Paralytic Ectropion

Lower eyelid retraction and ectropion is a result of two factors; (1) weakened intrinsic forces associated with senile change or (2) from extrinsic forces by the augmented distraction activity as a result from scar contracture after surgery, laser therapy, or trauma. Facial nerve palsy, in patients with leprosy, causes paralysis of the orbicularis muscle. Its antagonizing muscles, namely, the levator of the upper lid and the capsulopalpebral fascia of the lower lid, function as normal. This counterbalance results in lagophthalmos and retraction of the eyelids. Conventional surgical methods used to correct the ectropion and retraction of the lower lid include lateral canthoplasty, lateral canthopexy, lateral tarsal strip procedure and medial tarsorrhaphy. Recently the use of spacer graft has been incorporated in treating lower eyelid retraction. The use of spacer grafts creates separation between the tarsal plate and the capsulopalpebral fascia, to introduce materials like palatal mucoperiosteum, conchal cartilage or AlloDerm into the space between the two structures. In this study, we designed as AlloDerm or deep temporal fascia graft to function not only as a spacer graft but also as canthal sling. The use of a long spacer graft-sling to supplement the canthal sling showed superior results in elevating the lower eyelid and reducing ectropion. The use of the spacer graft in this method is more effective than other conventional methods.

Spacer graft combined with canthal sling in paralytic ectropion(Part 2) / 나학회지

The lower eyelid descent and ectropion is resulted from either a decrease in intrinsic forces by senile change or an increase in extrinsic forces by the augmented distraction activity as a result of surgery, laser therapy, or trauma. Although facial nerve palsy in patients with leprosy causes paralysis of the orbicularis muscle, its antagonizing muscles, namely, the levator of the upper lid and the capsulopalpebral fascia of the lower lid, are functioning properly, resulting in lagophthalmos and retraction of the eyelids. There are various conventional surgical methods to correct the ectropion and retraction of the lower lid such as lateral canthoplasty, lateral canthopexy, lateral tarsal strip procedure as well as medial tarsorraphy. Spacer graft, recently introduced, is used to create separation between the tarsal plate and the capsulopalpebral fascia, and to insert maerials like palatal mucoperiosteum, conchal cartilage or Alloderm into the space between the two structures. In this study, we added to one more process to the routine procedure, canthal sling, in which two ends of lengthened Alloderm by 15mm were fixed to both canthal ligaments like a fascial sling. Spacer graft combined with concomitant cnathal sling was proven to be effective in elevating and reducing retraction of the lower lid, and to be superior to any other conventional methods.

No title available / 나학회지

The lower eyelid is anatomically composed of three layers consisting of the anterior lamellar, the middle lamellar and the posterior lamellar. The anterior lamellar is composed of skin and the orbicularis muscle. The middle lamellar is composed of the orbital septum and orbital fat. The posterior lamellar is composed of the tarsus and the capsulopalpebral fascia and conjunctiva. The function of the lower eyelid is dependent upon a net result of balanced forces from the tarsal plate, canthal tendon and the orbicularis muscle sling acting on the lower eyelid. These forces provide the intrinsic support required to maintain contact between the lower eyelid and the globe. Forces acting against the intrinsic support of the lower eyelid (extrinsic forces) provide inferior and anterior net vector from the globe. The normal anatomic function and aesthetic appearance of the eyelid is achieved when the intrinsic forces are greater than or equal to extrinsic forces. The lower lid descent and ectropion characterized by unfavorable imbalance are a result of either a decrease in intrinsic forces by weaking the support as in senescence or an increase in extrinsic forces by strengthening the distraction forces as a result of surgery, laser treatment, or trauma. Either way, the extrinsic forces become greater than intrinsic forces. Facial nerve palsy of a leprosy patient causes paralysis of the orbicularis muscle but its antagonistic action muscles (the levator muscle of the upper lid and the capulapalpebral fascia of the lower lid) are functioning resulting in retraction and lapophthalmus of the upper and lower eyelid. Ectropion and retraction in the lower eyelid require various traditional surgical methods such as cantopexy, canthoplasty, lateral tarsal strip procedure as well as medial tarsorrhaphy. In addition to traditional methods, we used a spacer graft consisting of hard palate mucosa or Alloderm. Spacer grafts can be used in either a posterior or anterior method. In the posterior method, the spacer graft is used to create separation between the tarsal plate and the capsulopalpebral fascia / conjunctiva structure. A 5 to 25mm elliptical strip of hard palate mucosa is harvested from the patient and insterted between the two structures. The conjunctiva is dissected in this procedure. In the anterior method, we disinserted the lower edge of the tarsus and the capsulopalpebral fascia. A 5 to 25mm elliptical shaped strip of Alloderm was then inserted between the two structures. The conjunctiva remains intact in this procedure. In addition, a 5 to 35mm Alloderm strip was inserted to immitate the function of the fascia sling and increase the elevation of the lower lid as a spacer graft. The spacer graft with traditional surgical methods was more effective in elevating the lower lid and significantly reducing retraction than using traditional methods alone.