Isolated hypertelorism: Late surgical correction using the box osteotomy technique

Area of Science:

• Craniofacial surgery
• Pediatric plastic surgery
• Ophthalmology

Background:

• Orbital hypertelorism is a rare congenital craniofacial malformation characterized by increased interorbital distance.
• Surgical correction, typically before age 8, involves techniques like box osteotomy or facial bipartition.
• Late surgical intervention for this condition is less common.

Observation:

• Two adolescent females with isolated orbital hypertelorism underwent late surgical correction.
• Patient 1 had a 5 cm intercanthal distance (ICD) and amblyopia; Patient 2 had a 4.6 cm ICD and nasal deformity.
• Both patients had orbital translocation surgery via box osteotomy without neurological complications.

Findings:

• Successful surgical correction of orbital hypertelorism was achieved in both late-presenting patients.
• The box osteotomy technique proved effective for late surgical intervention.
• No postoperative complications were reported for either patient.

Implications:

• This study suggests that successful surgical outcomes for orbital hypertelorism are achievable even with late correction.
• It highlights the potential for improving quality of life in patients previously unable to undergo timely surgery.
• The findings support the consideration of box osteotomy for late-stage orbital hypertelorism treatment.