LEFORT-I ORBITOTOMY - A NEW APPROACH TO THE INFERONASAL ORBITAL APEX

Numerous approaches to the orbit have been elegantly described in the literature. One area of the orbit that remains difficult to approach w ith standard techniques is the inferonasal apex. We describe a new sur gical procedure we have termed the LeFort I orbitotomy. The technique involves creation of a LeFort I osteotomy to separate the maxilla from the zygoma and nose bilaterally. The posterior inferomedial orbital b one is then removed and the periorbita opened. This approach allows a more direct, less tangential view to this area of the orbit than does a Caldwell-Luc approach. Wider access for tumor manipulation is gained than would be possible with a transnasal endoscopic approach. An illu strative case report is presented.