Retrocaruncular Approach for the Repair of Medial Orbital Wall Fractures: An Anatomical and Clinical Study

Abstract

The aim of this article is to investigate a retrocaruncular approach for repairing medial orbital wall fractures. A total of 10 fresh cadaver orbits were dissected to investigate a transconjunctival approach to the orbit posterior to the caruncle. Medical records of consecutive patients with medial orbital wall fractures repaired via a retrocaruncular incision at Wilmer Eye Institute over a 10-year period were retrospectively reviewed. The study was approved by the Johns Hopkins Medical Institution's Institutional Review Board. Feasibility of this approach was clearly demonstrated on all cadavers. Horner muscle was observed to be directly attached to the caruncle and remained undisturbed throughout the retrocaruncular approach. For each of the 174 patients reviewed, this approach allowed successful access to the fracture and proper implant placement. The origin of the inferior oblique muscle was divided in only 19 patients. Sutures were not used for conjunctival incision closure in any patient. For 120 patients who underwent acute repair, the percentage with enophthalmos (≥ 2 mm) decreased from 34% preoperatively to 4% postoperatively; extraocular motility deficit decreased from 41 to 11%. Postoperative complications included recurrence of the preexisting retrobulbar hemorrhage, conjunctival granuloma, and temporary torsional diplopia, each in one patient. The retrocaruncular transconjunctival incision is an effective and safe approach for repairing medial orbital wall fractures with minimal complications. The retrocaruncular incision offers advantages over dividing the caruncle because Horner muscle is left undisturbed, and the incision heals well without suturing.