Transconjunctival and Subciliary Approach in the Treatment of Orbital Fractures: A Study on Oculoplastic Complication

Abstract

(1) Background: The aim of the present study was to compare lower eyelid post-operative complications, such as ectropion, entropion, and scleral show of orbital floor fractures, associated to the subciliary vs transconjunctival approaches. (2) Materials and Methods: A retrospective comparative study of patients who underwent surgery for orbital fractures by means of a transconjunctival or a subciliary approach at the Clinic of Dentistry and Maxillofacial Surgery of the University of Verona from January 2013 through September 2018 was designed. Data related to the trauma and to surgical procedures were retrieved, as well as a series of anthropometric parameters extrapolated from standardized photographs. Statistical analysis was performed on the outcomes. (3) Results: 33 patients underwent surgery by means of a transconjunctival approach and 36 patients by means of a subciliary approach. Ectropion was observed to a greater extent in the subciliary group, however the difference resulted to be not statistically significant. Patients in which osteosynthesis devices were used presented with a greater incidence of scleral show with respect to the remaining patients. No statistically significant difference was observed for any of the parameters taken into account. (4) Conclusions: Since the two approaches does not seem to be associated with remarkable differences in terms of outcomes, the choice of technique should be tailored to the patient’s features and the surgeon’s experience.