Eyelid Paralysis, Ectropion Repair with Wrist Tendon

This 81 year-old male suffered from left sided facial paralysis from salivary gland cancer. This resulted in a very debilitating condition of his left lower eyelid known as ectropion. Ectropion and lid paralysis, if left untreated, can lead to severe eye discomfort, corneal injury and blindness. In cases such as these, the paralyzed muscle of the lower eyelid must be supported with a “sling.” A small tendon from the wrist (i.e. the palmaris longus tendon) was threaded through the lower eyelid and drilled into the outside of the orbital bone. When placed on tension, it creates a static “sling” to keep the lower eyelid in a higher, more anatomic position. This improves eyelid closure and lubrication of the eye. His postoperative result is pictured at 6 months.