Distichiasis following transconjunctival approach to the inferior orbital rim and orbital floor

Abstract

Zygoma fractures are often associated with orbital floor fractures, which can be approached through a transconjunctival or transcutaneous incision. The transconjunctival approach has gained popularity over the transcutaneous one for its overall lower complication rate. We describe a patient with a zygoma fracture where the inferior orbital rim and orbital floor were exposed, reduced and fixated through a transconjunctival incision. Postoperatively, the patient developed a row of eyelashes posterior to the normal lash line, a condition termed distichiasis, causing corneal irritation and ulceration. This is believed to be caused by the postoperative eyelid inflammation induced by the transconjunctival incision. The condition was treated by electrolysis with no recurrence of symptoms. This condition has never been described as a postoperative complication of a transconjunctival approach to an inferior orbital rim and orbital floor fracture.

Keywords

• Transconjunctival incision
• Distichiasis
• Orbital floor fracture
• Inferior orbital rim fracture
• Corneal ulceration
• Eyelash