Surgical anatomy of the orbit of Korean adults

When operating in and around the orbit, the key to a successful result is precise anatomical localization. However, there is no precise study about the localization of vital orbital structures from reliable periorbital bony anatomy of the Korean adult. This study was constructed to give pertinent anatomical measurements to which the plastic and maxillofacial surgeon may refer. The 82 orbits obtained from 41 skulls of adult Koreans were measured with Vernier calipers and Marshac calipers. Superiorly, the supraorbital fissure was 40.0 +/- 2.5 mm from the supraorbital notch. Medially, the posterior ethmoidal foramen was 31.7 +/- 3.0 mm from the anterior lacrimal crest. Inferiorly, the infraorbital fissure where the infraorbital groove started was 26.4 +/- 2.6 mm from the infraorbital foramen. Laterally, the supraorbital fissure was 34.3 +/- 2.7 mm from the frontozygomatic suture. These distances are suggested as appropriate safe distances from each periorbital bony landmark. Dissection beyond that distance should be done with great caution.