Lower eyelid complications associated with transconjunctival versus subciliary approaches to orbital floor fractures

The aim of this study was to compare the frequencies of lower eyelid complications after subciliary versus transconjunctival approaches to orbital floor fractures.

The investigators implemented a retrospective cohort study and enrolled a sample composed of subjects who had orbital floor repair. The predictor variable was surgical approach, classified as subciliary or transconjunctival. The primary outcome variable was postoperative lower eyelid complications (ectropion, entropion, and eyelid retraction). Other variables were demographic, anatomic, or time to surgery. Descriptive and bivariate statistics were computed. Statistical significance was set at P ≤ 0.05.

The study samples were composed of 346 patients (98 [28.3%] females; 225 [65%] underwent a subciliary approach) with a mean age of 42.7 ± 21.1 years. The subciliary approach was significantly linked to the higher rates of ectropion and the lower rates of entropion at 7 days and 6 months postoperatively. There was no statistically significant difference in the frequency of eyelid retraction between both groups.

In the setting of orbital floor fractures, these results suggest that the use of the subciliary approach increases the frequency of ectropion, while the transconjunctival approach increases the frequency of entropion. The authors decline to comment on what the better surgical approach to the orbital floor fractures is. The selection should be based on an individual patient basis and surgeon's preference.