This video documents the steps typically followed during open reduction of isolated, depressed zygomatic arch fractures. The patient’s hair was shaven for clarity and for proper marking of key anatomic landmarks. Such landmarks are shown and discussed in sequence with the key surgical steps.
Marcus Couey, DDS, MD; Eric Reimer, DDS; Andrew Bhagyam, DDS; Phillip Freeman, DDS, MD; Jose M Marchena, DMD, MD
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, School of Dentistry, Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
The transconjunctival approach was first described by Bourquet in 1924 and then modified by Tessier in 1973 for exposure of the orbital floor and maxilla for the treatment of facial trauma.
This approach can be carried out either in a preseptal plane by separating the orbital septum from within the eyelid (preseptal approach) or posterior to the septum and eyelid (retroseptal approach) by making an incision through the bulbar conjunctiva directly above the orbital rim.
The main advantage of the retroseptal approach is that it does not involve dissection and disruption of the eyelid itself, therefore, reducing the incidence of post-operative lid laxity and position abnormalities.
This video will show a retroseptal approach to an orbital floor blowout fracture. A lateral inferior cantholysis is performed to facilitate eversion and retraction of the lower eyelid.
