Scarring Caused by the Percutaneous Approach to Fractures of the Orbit and Orbital Rim

Percutaneous and transconjunctival approaches are commonly used for fractures of the orbit and orbital rim. However, it leaves visible scarring on the face. Although previous studies reported scarring from the percutaneous approach, few reported the degree of such scarring. The authors examined the degree of scarring associated with percutaneous approaches to fractures of the orbit and orbital rim in the Japanese population. The authors reviewed photographs of patients who were treated surgically for fractures of the orbital floor, medial orbital wall, or zygomatic bone via percutaneous approaches to examine the presence of scarring and deformation. In 36% of all patients, the observers were unable to determine the side on which the surgery was performed. Furthermore, the site of scarring was identified accurately in only 20.6% of the cases in which observers were able to identify the surgical side. The authors' study demonstrated that the subciliary approach left minimal scarring under the eyelashes. On the other hand, the medial canthal approach left depressed and wide scarring, whereas pigmentation was apparent in patients who underwent surgery via the lateral eyebrow approach. Similarly, pigmentation under the eyelashes and at the site of secondary incision was common after the subciliary approach.