Pediatric Canalicular Lacerations: Epidemiology and Surgical Outcomes

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to report the epidemiology and surgical outcomes of canalicular lacerations in the pediatric age group. Methods: All pediatric patients who underwent repair of canalicular lacerations of any cause were included in this study. Age, sex, mechanism of trauma, and type of stent used were recorded. Results: The study group consisted of 47 patients with a median age of 6.4 years (22 mo–17 y). Thirty of the patients were male (63.8%). The lower canaliculus was affected in 76.6% (n=36), the upper canaliculus in 40.4% (n=19), and both canaliculi in 17% (n=8). The most common cause of canalicular laceration was sharp objects (n=33, 70.2%). Conclusion: Canalicular laceration most commonly affects boys and especially involves the lower canaliculus. There was no difference in functional success between monocanalicular and bicanalicular stents. Prevention of canalicular lacerations should be the main focus.