Lambda-double-fixation for medial epicanthoplasty in Blepharophimosis - Ptosis - Epicanthus Inversus Syndrome

Orbit. 2024 Mar 21:1-7. doi: 10.1080/01676830.2024.2328259. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to describe a novel approach to medial epicanthoplasty in patients with blepharophimosis-ptosis-epicanthus inversus syndrome (BPES) and evaluate the surgical outcome of this technique.

Methods: A retrospective, noncomparative, interventional case series involving 22 BPES patients who underwent medial epicanthoplasty using the Lambda-Double-Fixation technique (LDFT) performed by a single surgeon. Pre- and postoperative measurements of inner intercanthal distance (DIC) and horizontal palpebral fissure (HPFL) were recorded. Concurrent or staged ptosis surgery and lateral cantholysis, along with any complications, were documented.

Results: The mean age of the patients was 2.9 ± 2.2 years. Preoperatively, the mean DIC measured 34.0 ± 2.7 mm, significantly reducing to 23.7 ± 2.1 mm postoperatively (p < 0.001). A notable increase in mean HPFL was observed in both eyes postoperatively: right eye form 18.4 ± 2.4 mm to 23.7 ± 1.8 mm (p < 0.001) and left eye from 18.3 ± 2.4 mm to 23.8 ± 1.9 mm (p < 0.001). Postoperative scars were barely visible in all patients.

Conclusion: LDFT is a simple and reproducible technique for medial epicanthoplasty in BPES. Our results affirm that LDFT induces a physiologically concave reshaping of the medial canthal region, optimizing access to the peritarsal zone and ensuring a secure fixation of the new canthus. These benefits lead to a reduction in ICD and an increase in HPFL, leading to a cosmetically appealing postoperative outcome.

Keywords: Blepharophimosis-Ptosis-Epicanthus Inversus Syndrome (BPES); horizontal palpebral fissure length; intercanthal distance; medial epicanthoplasty.