The purpose of this study was to characterise the epidemiology of paediatric eyelid lacerations, identify risk factors for canalicular involvement and describe postoperative complications after surgical repair. This was a retrospective review of tertiary care trauma centre records in which 171 were identified and 165 of these with sufficient record data for inclusion. Repair was undertaken at a median one day; 38% with repair on the day of injury. Most (94%) were within 24 hours. There were no intraoperative complications. Both upper and lower lid lacerations occurred in 18% and bilateral involvement was in just one patient. Associated injury in 42% included globe, facial, dental and trunk injuries. Canalicular involvement was recorded in 47%. Risk factors for this include hook-related injury, eyelid margin involvement and lower lid involvement. Mean follow-up was 71.5 days. Success for repair was 91%. Complications in 24% included eyelid margin notching, preseptal cellulitis, epiphora, ptosis and early stent loss. There were no risk factors identified for these complications. Overall, most injuries occurred at home, including falls and dog bites. The authors recommend close follow-up to monitor development of complications.
Causes and outcomes of eyelid lacerations
Reviewed by Fiona Rowe
Pediatric eyelid and canalicular lacerations: epidemiology and outcomes.
CONTRIBUTOR
Fiona Rowe (Prof)
Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, UK.
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