Abstract:

Objective To investigate the surgical methods and effectiveness of treatment of traumatic dacryocystitis and inner canthal deformity in one stage. Methods The clinical data of 17 patients with unilateral traumatic dacryocystitis and inner canthal displacement were retrospectively analysed. All patients underwent dacryocystorhinostomy combined with inner canthoplasty by inner canthal ligament fixation. During the dacryocystorhinostomy, a bone window was cut under the new inner canthus according to the position of contralateral inner canthus. A hole was drilled above the bone window, which was used to fix the inner canthal ligament. All patients were followed up for 6 months, and the therapeutic effect was evaluated. Results Favorable outcomes were achieved in all the 17 patients after surgery. The position of inner canthus of the injury side was symmetrical to the normal side, and the lacrimal ducts were unobstructed. Six months after operation, slight retreat of the inner canthus occurred in 2 patients, and the appearance of the other patients was fine, with the recovery rate of inner canthal deformity of 88.2%. No recurrence of lacrimal duct obstruction was found during follow up, and the recovery rate of dacryocystitis was 100%. Conclusion Dacryocystorhinostomy combined with inner canthoplasty by canthal ligament fixation are effective to patients with traumatic dacryocystitis and inner canthal deformity, which can lead to favorable and stable results.

Key words: traumatic dacryocystitis, inner canthal deformity, reconstructive surgical procedure