Management of the paralyzed ectropion by implanting conchal cartilage

Ahn, Sung Yul; Park, Hyang Joon; Kim, Jongpil; Lee, Sangjoon

Abstract

Paralytic lagophthalmos and ectropion by leprosy are serious complications of facial paralysis, which may lead to exposure keratitis, corneal ulceration, and further lead to blindness. In 1995 and 1997, we reported in this journal on the surgical treatment of 38 patients and 98 patients suffering with paralytic lagophthalmos and ectropion. In the first report of 1995, for lid closing I(Ahn) performed the method of traditional surgery such as temporal muscle transfer, medial and lateral canthoplasty as well as gold implant. In the 2nd report of 1997, we(Ahn and Park) presented the results of our combination treatment that changed the design and weight of the gold plate inserted in upper lid, and the medial canthoplasty and horizontal shortening in lower lid. Combination treatment provided for near normal eye closure and aesthetically pleasing appearance without the drawbacks associated with other methods such as eye clinching in concert with mouth closure, donor site deformities resulting from temporalis muscle transfer, and over exposure of carbuncle due to stretching effects of lateral canthoplasty. We have now found that raising the level of the lower lid margin to the sclera is important in concealing the scleral show due to drooping of the lower lid. We grafted conchal cartilage in a 5 x 35 mm sized band, which was fixed at the medial and lateral canthal area in 57 patients during the recent 3 years. We also added the ancillary procedure of the horizontal shortening in cases of highly atonic lower lid. We have noted that gold implantation in the upper eyelid and cartilage graft in the lower eyelid, with optional horizontal shortening, successfully corrected the lagophthalmos and ectropion due to facial nerve palsy.