Augmented fascia temporalis sling for paralytic ectropion of the lower lid

Abstract

Purpose: To report the effect of lower eyelid temporalis fascia sling combined with lateral canthoplasty and tarsorrhaphy for paralytic ectropion. Methods: Prospective case series of 10 patients with lower lid paralytic ectropion who were treated with lower eyelid fascia temporalis sling and lateral canthoplasty in addition to lateral tarsorrhaphy as a single-session procedure. Additional medial tarsorrhaphy was applied if the medial lower lid apposition was not adequate at the end of the procedures. Eyelid configuration and function were compared before and after surgery. Results: The mean age of patients was 65.8 ± 10 years. Mean marginal reflex distance 1 (MRD1) and MRD2 changed from 3.5 ± 1.4 and 8.6 ± 2.4 mm to 2.2 ± 1.4 and 5.3 ± 1.2 mm respectively ( p = 0.001 and 0.006). Mean pre-operative lagophthalmos improved from 9.2 ± 4.9 to 3.4 ± 1.3 mm ( p = 0.001). The mean follow-up was 28.9 ± 12.1 months. Three patients required additional medial tarsorrhaphy to address residual medial ectropion in the same session. Conclusion: Combination of lower lid fascia temporalis sling, lateral canthoplasty and tarsorrhaphy as a single-session procedure can effectively improve the functional and aesthetic complications of paralytic ectropion.