Using π-Shaped Auricular Cartilage With a Local Flap for Lower Eyelid Support

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Plastic Surgery
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Auricular cartilage is a common substitute for tarsus in lower eyelid reconstruction.
• Previous methods using cartilage grafts have reported undesirable outcomes like graft displacement and functional disturbances.
• These complications often necessitate revision surgeries, highlighting the need for improved techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present and evaluate a new surgical technique for lower eyelid reconstruction using auricular cartilage strips and a local flap.
• To assess the efficacy and safety of this combined approach in restoring lower eyelid stability and function.
• To address the limitations of previous auricular cartilage grafting methods for lower eyelid support.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective study involving 13 patients with lower eyelid ectropion or cicatricial retraction from 2013 to 2018.
• Utilized two types of local flaps for anterior soft tissue reconstruction and a π-shaped auricular cartilage graft for posterior layer support.
• Measured key indicators including vertical lid margin distance, ectropion breadth, and palpebral fissure width preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively.

Main Results:

• The technique demonstrated successful flap survival in all patients with no reported complications.
• Significant improvements were observed in all measured parameters, with postoperative values nearing zero for lid margin distance and ectropion.
• The palpebral fissure width also showed significant reduction, indicating successful correction of eyelid abnormalities.

Conclusions:

• The combined use of π-shaped auricular cartilage and a local flap offers reliable horizontal and vertical support for the lower eyelid.
• This technique effectively restores normal eyelid position without compromising ocular motility.
• The described method is a safe and effective option for lower eyelid reconstruction, offering a reliable alternative to prior techniques.