The reconstruction of a contracted eye socket using a post-auricular full-thickness skin graft.

purposeTo report the efficacy of a full-thickness skin graft (FTSG) for the reconstruction of a contracted eye socket.

designA retrospective, non-comparative, interventional case series.

methodsThis was a retrospective review of patients with a contracted eye socket who underwent socket reconstruction using a post-auricular FTSG from 2001 to 2011 at the National Taiwan University Hospital. The postoperative results including prosthetic fitting, the cosmetic result, and eyelid function were assessed.

resultsThere were 11 male and 15 female patients, with a mean age of 52.3 ± 15.6 years (range 21 to 76). The duration of the socket contracture varied from three months to three years (average 7.4 ± 8.1 months). The severity of the socket contracture ranged from grade 2 to grade 4, based on Tawfik's classification. The mean follow-up time was 35.7 ± 9.6 months. After socket reconstruction, using a post-auricular FTSG, 96% of the cases (25 of 26) demonstrated a successful prosthetic fitting and a satisfactory cosmetic outcome. Both good eyelid function and a stable fornix depth were maintained during the follow-up time. One case received a second socket reconstruction three months after the first operation, using a FTSG, because of an inadequate lateral fornix. The final result was satisfactory. There were no serious complications, but a granuloma formed in one case, and there was prolonged discharge in one case.

conclusionsThe reconstruction of a contracted eye socket using a post-auricular FTSG is an effective method with a high success rate, which causes less discomfort to donor sites and results in few complications.