Spacer graft using deep temporal fascia in the treatment of paralytic ectropion

Ahn, Sung Yul; Park, Hyang Joon

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Spacer graft is known to be a very effective surgical method in the treatment of paralytic ectropion.
OBJECTIVE
This study was performed to evaluate deep temporal fascia as a spacer instead of Alloderm in spacer graft to correct paralytic ectropion.
METHODS
In seven patients with the lower lid ectropion as a sequela of Hansen's disease, a strip of deep temporal fascia, 4.0cm long and 0.5cm wide, was obtained from the scalp. A separation between the tarsal plate and the capsulopalpebral fascia was made and the strip was inserted into the space. Two ends of the strip were fixed to the medial and lateral canthal ligaments respectively like a sling. RESULT: In all patients, immediate postoperative improvement was achieved, which was to the same degree in the patients treated with Alloderm previously reported. And no serious complications were observed in both donor and graft sites.
CONCLUSION
As a spacer in spacer graft, patient's own deep temporal fascia shows good cost-effectiveness ratio and can be an alternative to Alloderm. However, further studies are neccessory to find out the long term efficacy, especially recurrence.