Emily M. Bratton

Orbital implants for fracture repair.

Purpose of review To review the latest advancements in implant materials for orbital fracture repair, including analysis of the last year in research. Recent findings Advances in the manufacture of highly biocompatible alloplastic materials offer an alternative to traditional autologous implants for orbital fracture repair. The emergence of the composite implant offers the stability and strength of traditional titanium mesh, while the porous polyethylene shell allows for greater fibrovascular integration and a potential for decreased risk of postoperative complications. Development of copolymers and biomechanical constructs for the delivery of bone stimulating proteins and stem cells serve to restore orbital volume after fracture repair through stimulation of the patients own tissue. These recent developments are promising; however, their safety and efficacy have not been verified in humans. Summary The appropriate choice of orbital implant for fracture repair ensures appropriate orbital reconstruction in an effort to alleviate diplopia, enophthalmos, orbital dystopia, and extraocular muscle restriction.

Predicting the Need for Surgical Intervention in Pediatric Orbital Cellulitis

PURPOSE To investigate the predictive value of the complete ophthalmic examination at first presentation in foreseeing the need for surgery in patients with pediatric orbital cellulitis. DESIGN Retrospective observational case series. METHODS We reviewed 136 cases of radiographically confirmed orbital cellulitis between 2004 and 2012 at Childrens Hospital Colorado. The presenting ophthalmic examinations, imaging results, medical and surgical interventions, and clinical complications were recorded. The main outcome measures were ophthalmic examinations on presentation, medical or surgical interventions, and complications. RESULTS The median age was 6.5 years. Of the patients, 56 (41%) underwent surgical intervention, and 80 patients (59%) were managed medically. Patients requiring surgery had higher rates of extraocular motility (EOM) restriction (78.6% vs 38.8% P<0.01), proptosis (64.3% vs 21.2%, P<0.01), elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) (35.7% vs 12.5%, P<0.01), and age over 9 years (58.9% vs 20.0%, P<0.01). Using any combination of the above risk factors at presentation, the probability of surgical intervention increases from 7% (95% confidence interval [CI] 1%-13%) with zero risk factors to 95% (95% CI 89%-100%) with 4 risk factors. CONCLUSIONS In pediatric orbital cellulitis, the likelihood of surgical intervention can be estimated accurately based on the ophthalmic examination on initial presentation to the hospital. Risk factors for surgery include age older than 9 years, proptosis, EOM restriction, and elevated IOP. These factors may be used to identify patients at high risk for failure of medical management early in the clinical course.

Outcomes of endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy without mucosal flap preservation.

Purpose: Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is the standard procedure for the treatment of acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO) that can be performed through an external or endonasal approach. Both techniques create a fistula from the lacrimal sac into the nasal cavity via a bony osteotomy. Historically, external DCR has been considered the gold standard; however, recent reports suggest endonasal DCR is an effective alternative. There are numerous variations of endonasal DCR described in the literature that report variable success rates. The purpose of this study is to describe the approach and success rate with endonasal DCR in which nasal mucosa, bone, and lacrimal sac mucosa are sequentially removed. Methods: The authors retrospectively reviewed cases of endonasal DCR from 2004 to 2011 from 2 institutions (the University of California, San Diego, California, and the Fante Eye and Face Center in Denver, Colorado, U.S.A.). Patients with a history of epiphora and NLDO confirmed with punctal irrigation were included. Exclusion criteria were the presence of canalicular obstruction, history of orbital trauma, and prior DCR surgery. Success was defined as subjective relief of epiphora and confirmation of ostium patency with irrigation. Results: A total of 324 patients (74 men, 250 women; mean age 59.3) encompassing 407 endonasal DCR cases were included in the study. The total case success rate was 92.2% with an average follow-up time of 91.5 days. Revision surgery was performed in 7 of the failed cases and resulted in success in 6 of these cases. Conclusions: Endonasal DCR is a simple and effective approach to surgically treat NLDO and offers success rates comparable with external DCR.

Bilateral Candida and atypical mycobacterial infection after frontalis sling suspension with silicone rod to correct congenital ptosis.

In this case report, the authors describe an unusual complication of a frontalis sling suspension with silicone rods. A 5-year-old girl with blepharophimosis syndrome underwent frontalis sling suspension using an open sky technique. Four weeks after surgery, she was noted to have pustules over both upper eyelids and eyebrows. Cultures from the surgical sites grew Mycobacterium chelonae and Candida parapsilosis. Intravenous antibiotics and antifungals and sling explantation were curative. One month after sling explantation, the patient maintained an adequate marginal reflex distance 1. Atypical mycobacterial and Candida infection should be considered in the differential diagnoses of postoperative infection after frontalis sling suspension with silicone rods.

Orbital Metastasis Is Associated With Decreased Survival in Stage M Neuroblastoma.

Approximately 30% of patients with metastatic (stage M) neuroblastoma present with periorbital ecchymosis from orbital osseous disease. Though locoregional disease is staged by imaging, the prognostic significance of metastatic site in stage M disease is unknown. We hypothesize that, compared to nonorbital metastasis, orbital metastasis is associated with decreased survival in patients with stage M neuroblastoma, and that periorbital ecchymosis reflects location and extent of orbital disease.

Sphenoid Wing Meningioma with Extraocular Muscle Involvement Mimicking Idiopathic Orbital Inflammation.

Meningiomas are slow growing, typically benign, tumors originating from arachnoid cap cells. Specifically, sphenoid wing or spheno-orbital meningiomas infiltrate the lesser wing of the sphenoid, lateral orbital wall, and orbital roof with occasional extension to the superior orbital fissure, optic canal, anterior clinoid process, and middle cranial fossa where neurologic and ophthalmologic functions are impaired by compressive injury. The extraocular muscles are rarely involved. The authors present a rare case of an spheno-orbital meningioma causing extraocular muscle enlargement mimicking idiopathic orbital inflammation and highlight important diagnostic clues to meningioma.

Ophthalmic Manifestations of Facial Dog Bites in Children

PURPOSE To characterize ophthalmic manifestations and periocular injuries of pediatric facial dog bites. METHODS A retrospective review of all children younger than 18 years who sought medical attention after a dog bite to the face between January 1, 2003 and May 22, 2014 was performed at a large tertiary pediatric hospital. Data on type and location of injury, surgical intervention, and complications were collected. RESULTS A total of 1,989 children aged 0.19 to 17 years were identified with dog bites. Dog bites to the face occurred in most patients (n = 1, 414 [71%]). Of those children with facial dog bite injuries, 230 (16%) suffered ophthalmic manifestations. The average age was 4.3 years. Eyelid injuries occurred in 227 (99%) of children, 47 (20%) sustained canalicular system injuries, 3 (1.3%) suffered corneal abrasions, and 2 patients sustained facial nerve injury resulting in lagophthalmos. No patients suffered vision loss. Complications occurred in 32 patients (14%), with the most common being epiphora in 9 patients (28%), upper eyelid ptosis in 8 (25%), and prominent scar formation in 4 patients (13%). Thirteen children (5.7%) needed one or more secondary procedure to correct complications. CONCLUSIONS The authors report the clinical features and management on the largest series of ophthalmic and periocular injuries associated with pediatric facial dog bites. These injuries occur in about 1 in 6 dog bites to the face and primarily involve the ocular adnexa. Despite early and appropriate surgical management, complications and the need for revision surgery are relatively common.