[The expanded transconjunctival approach with lateral canthotomy to the orbital margin, floor and infraorbital nerve]

The range of indications for and the surgical technique of the extended transconjunctival approach to the inferior and lateral orbital margin, the floor of the orbit, the upper part of the facial wall of the maxillary sinus and the medial part of the zygomatic bone are described. We present 64 patients with mid-face fractures: 9 with fractures of the orbital margin, 48 with isolated blow-out fractures, and 7 with zygomaticomaxillary fractures. All have been operated on in the last 5 years. The transconjunctival approach extended by a lateral canthotomy is better than infraorbital or subciliary access. Exposure and cosmesis are excellent. None of the complications that follow other methods were seen after our surgical treatment.