The Usability of Infraorbital Approach on the Patients with Orbito-Zygomatic Fracture.

Yun, Chi Sun; Kim, Jong Hwan; Yang, Ho Jik

Original Article

Journal of Korean Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association 2009;10(1):19-22.

Department of Plastic and Reconstruction Surgery, College of Medicine, Eulji University, Eulji Medical Center, Daejon, Korea. drhjyang@yahoo.co.kr

Abstract

PURPOSE
There are various approaches for open reduction surgery for orbitozygomatic fractures. After the incisions are performed, patients might have various complications. In this point of view, we conducted a retrospective study of the usability of infraorbital incision on elderly patients, generally more vulnerable to scleral show and ectropion. METHODS: In this study, 20 patients who are relatively more vulnerable to scleral show and ectropion through snap-back test having infraorbital incision were reviewed. We monitored the duration of the surgery, and complications resulted from the incision. We evaluated the scars with the researcher's observations and with the patient's level of satisfaction on a scale of 1 to 5.
RESULTS
On average, 5 minutes was spent between the skin incision and the fracture exposure. No case of scleral show and ectropion occurred. One year follow-up observation revealed 4 cases of visible scars, 9 cases of barely visible scars, and 7 cases of invisible scars. The subjective satisfaction level of the patients' scar is an average of 4.0.
CONCLUSION
Infraorbital incision has many advantages. First, it can reduce the complications such as scleral show and ectropion. Second, it can shorten the operation time. Third, it can diminish incision-related scars.

Keywords: Infraorbital incision; Snap-back test; Scleral show and ectropion