Surgical correction of Tessier number 8 cleft

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmic surgery
• Congenital craniofacial abnormalities
• Plastic and reconstructive surgery

Background:

• Tessier cleft 8 is a congenital defect involving the lateral canthus and eyelid.
• This defect can range from a subtle shadow to a complete absence of the eyelid commissure.
• Surgical correction is necessary to restore eyelid function and aesthetics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a novel surgical technique for correcting Tessier cleft 8.
• To evaluate the efficacy of this technique in a small patient cohort.
• To reconstruct the lateral canthus, palpebral fissure, and associated structures.

Main Methods:

• A surgical technique involving four transposed Z-plasties was utilized.
• The lateral canthal ligament was secured to the lateral orbital rim.
• The orbicularis muscle was interdigitated to restore continuity.
• Reconstruction of the conjunctival fornix was performed.

Main Results:

• The described surgical technique was successfully applied to eight patients.
• The procedure effectively reconstructed the depth of the conjunctival fornix.
• Proper form and length of the palpebral fissure were achieved.
• Continuity and an anatomic angle of the malformed canthus were restored.

Conclusions:

• The presented Z-plasty technique offers a viable solution for correcting congenital Tessier cleft 8.
• This surgical approach successfully addresses the anatomical and functional deficits associated with the defect.
• The method provides satisfactory aesthetic and functional outcomes for patients with Tessier cleft 8.