Search

Purpose: To assess for alterations in the microscopic anatomy that occur as a result of the Müller muscle-conjunctival resection (MMCR) ptosis procedure and to better understand the mechanisms by which MMCR elevates the eyelid., Methods: Sixteen orbits from 8 fresh frozen Caucasian cadaver heads, ranging from 38 to 100 years of age were used. For each head, MMCR was performed on one side. The contralateral, unoperated orbit served as an anatomic control. Each exenterated orbital contents and excised MMCR specimen was evaluated. The histopathology of the eyelids and MMCR specimens were studied microscopically by staining with hematoxylin-eosin, elastic, and Verhoeff-Masson trichrome., Results: Müller muscle and conjunctiva were present in all 8 of the excised MMCR specimens. Elastic fibers consistent with Müller muscle tendon or among the smooth muscle fibers were seen within all excised MMCR specimens. The levator aponeurosis was intact in 8 of 8 operated eyelids; however, the aponeurosis was plicated in all. The accessory lacrimal gland tissues were intact in all of the operated and unoperated eyelids., Conclusions: MMCR works by shortening the posterior lamella, which results in advancement of the levator palpebrae superioris muscle and plication of the levator aponeurosis. Plication of the levator aponeurosis likely contributes to the increased volumetric effect seen clinically after MMCR. Phenylephrine testing can help in fine-tuning the amount of resection, but given the mechanism of action of MMCR, adequate levator muscle function remains a critical factor in the success of the surgery. Moreover, MMCR preserves accessory lacrimal gland tissues.

Purpose: To investigate the anatomic and histologic changes present in midfacial ptosis., Methods: Experimental study applying gross anatomic and histologic techniques to formalin-preserved and fresh-frozen cadaver heads with and without midfacial ptosis. High-resolution surface coil magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed to obtain radiologic correlations., Results: The orbitomalar ligament was further characterized by identification of a well-developed lateral component in the sub-superficial musculoaponeurotic plane; abnormalities of this important supporting structure were present in the subcutaneous plane in 8 of 10 specimens with midfacial ptosis. The zygomatic and masseteric cutaneous ligaments also were further characterized on a gross anatomic level, and histologic evidence of these two structures was produced. The subcutaneous components of the zygomatic and masseteric cutaneous ligaments were attenuated or not identifiable in 40% and 30% of specimens with midfacial ptosis, respectively. High-resolution surface coil MRI provided exquisite correlations of midfacial anatomy., Conclusions: The lateral component of the orbitomalar ligament provides major osteocutaneous midfacial support. Subcutaneous attenuation of the orbitomalar, masseteric cutaneous, and zygomatic ligaments was associated with midfacial ptosis.

Purpose: To describe a new surgical technique and early results of external levator repair performed through a small skin incision., Methods: A chart review of consecutive patients undergoing small incision external levator repair was conducted. This modified external levator repair was performed through an 8-mm eyelid crease incision. Patients with unilateral or bilateral aponeurogenic blepharoptosis were candidates for the technique. Patients with excessive horizontal upper eyelid laxity and those requiring blepharoplasty in addition to blepharoptosis surgery did not undergo this technique. Patients who underwent previous upper eyelid surgery or concurrent brow surgery were excluded from the review. Preoperative measurements included upper eyelid margin reflex distance, levator function, and degree of dermatochalasis, as well as Goldmann visual field results. Outcome measures included incidence and type of intraoperative complications, postoperative upper eyelid position (including margin reflex distance, eyelid contour, and symmetry), incidence and type of postoperative complications, and revisions or additional necessary surgery., Results: Twenty-eight eyelids of 17 patients met study inclusion criteria. Preoperative margin reflex distance +/- SD averaged 0.8 +/- 0.4 mm. Average length of follow-up was 28 +/- 5 weeks (range, 15 to 52 weeks). No significant intraoperative complications occurred. Postoperative margin reflex distance averaged 3.7 +/- 0.3 mm. Two eyelids were mildly undercorrected, and one demonstrated moderately peaked contour postoperatively. Satisfactory eyelid position and contour were achieved in 25 of 28 treated eyelids. No patient elected reoperation., Conclusions: Early results demonstrated that small incision levator repair is safe and generally effective. This minimally invasive external levator repair is useful for a carefully selected subset of patients with aponeurogenic blepharoptosis.

Cystic lesions of the extraocular muscles (EOMs) are uncommon. Six patients with a cystic lesion in an extraocular muscle, as observed by computerized tomography (CT) scanning, were retrospectively identified from the practice of one of the authors (G.C.S.), and their clinical course was reviewed. All the patients were treated initially with oral corticosteroids. Those who did not respond to this therapy underwent surgical exploration. Four patients demonstrated complete resolution of clinical signs and symptoms with oral steroid therapy. Posttreatment CT scans performed in two of these patients showed resolution of the cystic lesion with residual muscle thickening in one. The two patients not responding to steroids underwent surgical excision and histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of cysticercosis. Cysticercosis is a previously reported cause of a cystic lesion in an EOM. To the best of our knowledge, cystic lesions of the EOMs resolving with steroids have not been previously reported. Response to oral steroids in four of our patients is suggestive of myositis with a cystic change in the muscle. We recommend a trial of oral steroid therapy in patients with a cystic EOM lesion before surgical exploration is performed.

The orbital and eyelid relationships of the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) were studied in human cadavers. Using gross and microscopic techniques, the SMAS was found to be intimately related to the eyelids and orbicularis oculi muscle, and to have distinct orbital bony attachments. Sub-SMAS fat in the malar region was found to be continuous with the submuscular fat in the eyebrow region. The malar sub-SMAS fat continued superiorly into the lower eyelid above the inferior orbital rim, as a postorbicularis layer. A bony attachment emanating from the inferior orbital rim, the orbitomalar ligament, traveled through the orbicularis oculi muscle in a lamellar fashion prior to inserting into the dermis. The cutaneous insertion of this attachment corresponds to the malar and nasojugal skin folds. With aging, relaxation of the orbitomalar ligament allows inferior migration of orbital fat, in addition to the anterior migration that occurs through an attenuated orbital septum. These findings have implications not only in cosmetic surgery but also in the understanding of facial soft tissue changes that occur with aging.

We conducted a cadaver study of the levator palpebrae superioris muscle to examine several areas of interest that have been reported in the current medical literature. A very strong intermuscular fascia exists between the levator and superior rectus muscles; it is unlikely that a superior rectus bridle suture could pull them apart during cataract surgery. The superior transverse ligament of Whitnall functions to check the posterior movement of the levator; it provides longitudinal support to the resected levator, but does not act as a vertical fulcrum.