Previously undescribed palpebral branch from the infraorbital canal: application to surgery of the eyelid and treatment of orbital floor fractures

Abstract

INTRODUCTION The sensory innervation of the inferior eyelid is mainly derived from the inferior palpebral branch of the infraorbital nerve. This study aimed to investigate another, to our knowledge, previously unknown branch, and elucidate its location and distribution. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twelve sides from seven fresh frozen cadaveric Caucasian heads were used in this study. The specimens were derived from two male and four female adult cadavers age. The diameter of the inferior palpebral branch of the infraorbital nerve (D1) and branch arising from the upper wall of the infraorbital canal (D2), and distance between the branching points of this branch and the anterior border of the orbit floor (L1) was measured. RESULTS A branch to the lower eyelid was found arising from the infraorbital canal on the majority of sides. D1 ranged from 0.4 to 1.1mm. The branch arising from the upper wall of the infraorbital canal was found 10 sides (83%). D2 ranged 0.6 to 1.0 mm. L1 ranged from 10.2 to 19.8 mm. All of the branches arising from the upper wall of the infraorbital canal (10 sides) primarily innervated to the inferior eyelid. CONCLUSIONS We suggest this branch should be named the "posterior inferior palpebral branch" of the infraorbital nerve. Knowledge of this branch might decrease sensory loss following invasive procedures of the lower orbit. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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