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Prolene frontalis suspension in paediatric ptosis
Insights
Frontalis suspension using 4-0 prolene sutures is an effective treatment for paediatric ptosis with poor levator function, showing a 74% success rate and a favorable safety profile.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Surgery
Background:
- Congenital ptosis often involves poor levator muscle function.
- Frontalis suspension is a common surgical technique for such cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of 4-0 prolene sutures for frontalis suspension in pediatric ptosis.
- To assess outcomes in patients with poor levator function.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of pediatric patients undergoing 4-0 prolene frontalis suspension (2000-2008).
- Minimum 6-month follow-up.
- Success defined by lid height, symmetry, and cosmesis.
Main Results:
- 74% (17/23) of patients achieved functional success.
- Ptosis recurrence occurred in 22% (5/23) of patients.
- A low complication rate of 4% (1/23) was observed (minor wound infection).
Conclusions:
- 4-0 prolene frontalis suspension demonstrates good efficacy for pediatric ptosis with poor levator function.
- The procedure has an excellent safety profile.
- Results are comparable to other non-autogenous materials.
Aim:
The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of frontalis suspension using 4-0 prolene sutures for paediatric ptosis with poor levator function.
Patients And Methods:
A retrospective chart review was performed on children who underwent 4-0 prolene frontalis suspension from 2000 to 2008 with a minimum of 6 months' follow-up. Functional success was defined when three criteria were met: (a) satisfactory lid height (defined as margin-to-reflex distance ≥3 mm with minimal frontalis muscle tone); (b) satisfactory lid symmetry (≤2 mm asymmetry in margin-to-reflex distance); and (c) satisfactory cosmesis. Recurrence was defined by a drop in lid height of ≥3 mm from the initial post-operative level.
Results:
A total of 23 patients (30 eyelids) were included. The mean follow-up duration was 28.7 months (range 6.3 to 100 months). The functional success rate was 74% (17/23 patients). Ptosis recurred in 22% (5/23) of patients. Only one patient (4%) developed a complication: a case of minor wound infection.
Conclusions:
In paediatric ptosis with poor levator function, prolene frontalis suspension has good efficacy and an excellent safety profile. The results of prolene frontalis suspension are comparable to those of other non-autogenous materials.
