This retrospective study over 10 years provides data on canalicular lacerations in patients younger than 18 years of age. Of 137 lacerations, 38 (27.7%) met the inclusion criteria. 68.4% were white and 73.7% were male. The mean age was 10.8 years (1.1-17.9). Lacerations were due to dog bites (39.5%), other accidents such as fingers in eyes (21.1%), sports related (18.4%), falls (13.2%) and altercations (7.9%). Lacerations involved the lower lid in 65.8%. All due to dog bites were given IV antibiotics. Isolated lacerations occurred in 36.8%. It showed 13.1% had additional mild self-limiting injuries such as subconjunctival haemorrhage and 5.3% had concomitant orbital fractures. It showed 92.1% of repairs were undertaken in theatre under general anaesthetic and usually within one day of injury. The overall success rate, based on reported complete lack of epiphora, was 89.5%. 31.6% were bothered by eyelid appearance. The authors note that the cause of injuries in children differ to those in adults. These lacerations require monitoring and treatment.
Childhood canalicular lacerations
Reviewed by Fiona Rowe
Pediatric canalicular lacerations: epidemiology and variables affecting repair success.
CONTRIBUTOR
Fiona Rowe (Prof)
Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, UK.
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