Keywords
orbital anatomy - surgical - globe
The orbit is a pyramidal structure that encompasses the organ of vision and separates
the upper and middle facial skeletons, with its apex located posteriorly and base
situated anteriorly. The bone comprising the apex and base is much thicker than that
of the walls, allowing the apex to protect the brain and optic nerve from direct force
and the orbital rim to resist fracture. Pressure to the globe is thus dispersed to
the curvilinear orbital walls, which serve to maintain the projection of the ocular
globe and cushion it from blunt force.
The height of the orbit is usually 35 mm, and the width from rim to rim is approximately
40 mm. The distance from the medial orbital rim to the apex averages 45 mm in length,
while the distance from the lateral orbital rim to the apex is approximately 1 cm
shorter.[1]
[2]
Bony Topography
Seven bones comprise the orbit ([Fig. 1]). The lateral wall is formed by the greater wing of the sphenoid, the frontal bone,
and the zygomatic bone. The floor is composed of the sphenoid, the orbital process
of the palatine bone, and the orbital process of the maxillary bone. The medial wall
is formed from the lesser wing of the sphenoid, the ethmoid bone, the lacrimal bone,
and the frontal process of the maxilla. The roof of the orbit is derived from the
sphenoid and the frontal bones.[1]
[2]
[3]
[4]
[5]
[6]
Fig. 1 The seven bones that comprise the bony orbit.
Floor of the Orbit
From the inferior orbital rim, the floor dips inferiorly, maintains the same cephalocaudad
position for approximately 15 mm beyond the inferior orbital fissure, and then gently
curves up toward the superior orbital fissure. When repairing orbital floor fractures,
recreating this subtle curvature will restore normal anatomy and help prevent malpositioning
of the globe.[7]
Medial Orbital Wall
The medial orbital wall is in the sagittal plane and has the greatest degree of cephalocaudad
curvature. It separates the ethmoid sinuses and nasal cavity from the orbit. The superior
aspect of the medial rim forms the forehead, curving anteriorly toward the midline.
The bone of the medial orbital wall is thin throughout but strengthened by the perpendicular
septa of the ethmoid sinus.
Roof and Lateral Orbital Wall
The roof separates the anterior cranial fossa from the orbit. The medial third of
the superior orbital rim harbors a notch or foramen through which the supraorbital
nerve, artery, and vein traverse, providing blood supply and sensation to the forehead.
Additionally, the supratrochlear nerve exits just medial to the supraorbital nerve
in between the pulley of the superior oblique and the supraorbital notch or foramen.
The supraorbital nerve arises an average of 29 mm lateral to the midline, while the
supratrochlear nerve is located 16 mm lateral to midline.[8]
[9] The lateral roof of the orbit then curves superiorly to house the lacrimal gland.
The lateral orbital rim has the least projection, which facilitates lateral vision.
The zygomatic portion of the lateral orbital wall is relatively fragile, but thickens
considerably as it nears the sphenoid bone, where it borders the superior orbital
fissure.
Foramina, Fissures, Crests, and Their Neurovascular Components
Foramina, Fissures, Crests, and Their Neurovascular Components
There are three main conduits into and out of the bony orbit ([Fig. 2]): (1) the optic canal, which transmits the optic nerve; (2) the superior orbital
fissure, which transmits the lacrimal, frontal, trochlear, oculomotor, nasociliary,
and abducens nerves as well as the superior ophthalmic vein; and (3) the inferior
orbital fissure, through which the maxillary nerve, the inferior ophthalmic vein,
and sympathetic nerves traverse.
Fig. 2 Foramina, fissures, and their neurovascular components.
Optic Canal
The optic canal is approximately 5 mm in diameter and runs in a superomedial direction
to enter the cranial fossa. The bony canal itself is less than 1 cm in length and
is in the medial portion of the orbital apex, lying entirely within the sphenoid bone.
The extent of the sphenoid sinus pneumatization may lead to thinning of the canal
or the optic nerve coursing through the lateral portion of the sinus. Lesions or fractures
affecting the optic canal can cause orbital apex syndrome, which is characterized
by ophthalmoplegia, hypoesthesia, and blindness.
Superior Orbital Fissure
The superior orbital fissure is superolateral to the optic canal and extends inferiorly
to a point just medial to this canal. It is formed by the cleft between the greater
and lesser wings of the sphenoid. Fractures, edema, or infection extending to the
superior orbital fissure can result in superior orbital fissure syndrome, which is
marked by ophthalmoplegia, ptosis, and pupillary dilatation.
Inferior Orbital Fissure
The inferior orbital fissure is the inferolateral continuation of superior orbital
fissure. It is formed by the zygoma and greater wing of the sphenoid laterally and
the zygoma and maxilla medially. The fissure connects the floor of the orbit with
the pterygopalatine and infratemporal fossae. In the anterior portion of the fissure,
a small canal runs forward through the floor of the orbit and exits the maxilla approximately
5 mm inferior to the rim. This canal carries the infraorbital nerve, which also gives
off the anterior, superior alveolar, and middle superior alveolar nerves. The infraorbital
nerve is accompanied by its artery, a terminal branch of the internal maxillary artery,
and vein, which drains into the pterygoid plexus.
Anterior and Posterior Ethmoidal Foramina
The anterior and posterior ethmoidal foramina exit between the frontal and ethmoid
bones at the frontoethmoidal suture. The anterior foramen is approximately 24 mm behind
the anterior lacrimal crest, and the posterior foramen is 12 mm behind this. The anterior
ethmoidal artery enters the anterior cranial fossa through the anterior ethmoidal
canal and then the nasal cavity through the cribriform plate. It is accompanied by
the anterior ethmoidal nerve, a sensory branch of the nasociliary nerve.
Cranio-Orbital Foramen
The cranio-orbital foramen is present in 55 to 70% of all orbits and is located anterior
to the superior orbital fissure in the medial orbital wall. It carries within it a
branch of the middle meningeal artery that forms an anastomosis with the lacrimal
artery. During optic nerve decompression or orbital dissection, the surgeon must remain
cognizant of this foramen and its potential for hemorrhage.[10]
Nasolacrimal Canal
The nasolacrimal canal drains tears from the eye to the nasal cavity and is located
in the medial wall of the orbit. The anterior portion of the canal is known as the
anterior lacrimal crest and is formed by the maxilla. Posteriorly, the canal is formed
by the lacrimal bone and is called the posterior lacrimal crest. The deeper fibers
of the medial canthus and orbicularis oculi attach to the posterior lacrimal crest.[11]
Eyelids
The eyelids are soft tissue structures that protect the anterior surface of the globe
from injury and aid in tear flow. The anatomical layers of the lid are best understood
using a sagittal cross-section through the lid ([Fig. 3]). From superficial to deep, the layers are (1) skin and subcutaneous tissue, (2)
orbicularis oculi muscle, (3) orbital septum, (4) orbital fat, (5) levator and Müller's
muscles (eyelid retractors), (6) tarsus, and (7) conjunctiva. The anatomy of the lower
eyelid is analogous to that of the upper eyelid, except the eyelid retractors which
consist of the capsulopalpebral fascia and inferior tarsal muscle, of which the former
fuses with the orbital septum 5 mm below the inferior tarsal border.[12]
Fig. 3 A sagittal cross-section showing the layers of the upper and lower eyelids.
In reconstruction, the eyelid can be divided surgically into the anterior and posterior
lamellae, with the anterior lamella encompassing the skin and orbicularis and the
posterior lamella consisting of the tarsus and conjunctiva.[13]
Medial Canthus
The medial canthal tendon is formed by the fusion of three tendinous arms extending
from the anterior and posterior lacrimal crests. The third or superior arm extends
from the orbital process of the frontal bone. The arms merge cephalic to the lacrimal
sac and then split again into two different arms that attach to the upper and lower
tarsal plates via the crura.[10]
Orbital Septum
The orbital septum is a dense layer of connective tissue lining the orbit that terminates
at the periosteum of the orbital rim, forming the arcus marginalis. It marks the anterior
boundary of the orbit and is a consistent feature of both the upper and the lower
eyelids. In the upper lid, it blends with the tendon of the levator palpebrae superioris
and in the lower lid with the capsulopalpebral fascia 5 mm inferior to the tarsal
plate.
Tarsal Plates
The tarsal plates are curvilinear structures composed of dense connective tissue located
directly above the lid margin. The upper tarsal plate is larger, measuring 10 to 12mm
vertically, while the lower plate measures 3 to 5 mm. They contribute rigidity to
the lids and also contain the attachments of multiple muscles and membranes. Specifically,
the levator palpebrae superioris attaches to the anterior surface of the superior
tarsus; the lateral palpebral raphe extends from the zygomatic bone to the lateral
angles of both tarsi; and the medial palpebral ligament extends from the maxilla to
the medial angles. Within the tarsal plates are large sebaceous glands, also known
as Meibomian glands, which are aligned vertically and secrete a lipid-rich product
that prevents lacrimal secretions from evaporating too quickly.
Muscles
There are several muscles present in the upper and lower eyelids. The orbicularis
oculi muscle is present in both and lies just deep to the skin. This muscle can be
arbitrarily separated into the orbital and palpebral portions, with the latter being
subdivided into the preseptal and pretarsal components. The muscle fibers of the orbital
orbicularis originate from the superomedial orbital margin and extend superiorly to
interdigitate with the frontalis and corrugator supercilii muscles, laterally to cover
the temporalis fascia, and inferiorly to overlie the origins of the lip elevators.
The preseptal orbicularis oris overlies the orbital septum, originates medially, and
is associated with the medial palpebral ligament. The muscle fibers fuse laterally
to form the lateral palpebral raphe, which is then attached to the overlying skin.
Underneath this is submuscular areolar tissue, which serves as a potential plane of
surgical dissection. The pretarsal portion is located anterior to the tarsus, with
a superficial and deep head of origin also associated with the medial palpebral ligament.
The fibers course horizontally and laterally deep to the lateral palpebral raphe to
insert into the lateral orbital tubercle. The pretarsal portion plays a role in the
lacrimal pump.
Underneath the orbital septum in the upper eyelid, the aponeurosis of the levator
muscle attaches to the tarsus, and in the lower lid, the fascia of the inferior rectus
attaches to the inferior tarsus and then into the orbicularis oculi muscle and subcutaneous
tissues of the lid.
Another smooth muscle, the inferior tarsal muscle or Mueller's muscle, arises from
the posterior fascia and inserts into the inferior tarsus. Its analogous structure
in the upper eyelid is Whitnall's muscle, which is contained in the deep surface of
the levator aponeurosis. Both of these smooth muscles are innervated by lacrimal nerve,
which carry the sympathetic fibers of the superior cervical ganglion.
Conjunctiva
The conjunctiva is the deepest layer of the eyelid, forming its inner surface. This
reflects on itself from the eyelid at the fornix to cover the outer surface of the
eyeball. Sensory innervation is supplied by the ophthalmic branch of the first division
of the trigeminal nerve.
Lateral Canthus
The lateral canthus suspends the tarsus of both lids laterally to the zygomatic bone
at Whitnall's tubercle 1.5 mm inside of the lateral orbital rim. This posterior attachment
vector is an important consideration during lid tightening procedures involving the
lateral canthal ligament. Also attached to this tubercle are the aponeurosis of the
levator and the ligament of the lateral rectus.
Periorbita
Wherever the cranium and the orbit come into contact (optic canal, superior orbital
fissure, anterior and posterior ethmoidal foramina, and the cranio-orbital foramen),
the dura becomes continuous with the underlying bone. This layer is known as the periorbita,
which is attached loosely to the bone compared to the periosteum elsewhere in the
face and cranium. The anterior extension of the periorbita is the orbital septum.
On the orbital surface of the optic canal and the medial aspect of the superior orbital
fissure, the periorbita thickens to form the tendinous attachments of the four rectus
muscles, the levator superioris muscle, and the superior oblique muscle. This tendinous
ring is called the annulus of Zinn.
Ligaments
The various extraocular ligaments are illustrated in [Fig. 4].
Fig. 4 Axial view of the extraocular ligaments of the orbit.
Tenon's Capsule
The bulbous sheath or Tenon's capsule is a fibrous layer that extends from the optic
nerve to the limbus and envelops the globe, separating it from the intramuscular orbital
fat. It fuses with the sheath of the optic nerve, the sclera around the entrance of
the optic nerve, and the fascia of the extraocular muscles posteriorly and inferiorly.
This capsule forms a socket in which the globe can move. The fascia is traversed by
the ciliary vessels and nerves. Tenon's capsule is separated from the outer surface
of the sclera by the periscleral lymphatic space, which is continuous with the subdural
and subarachnoid cavities.[14]
Lockwood's Ligament
The lower part of the bulbous sheath is known as the suspensory ligament of Lockwood.
This fascial sling blends with the lateral canthus and the lateral check ligament
and travels laterally to medially. Medially, the suspensory attachment blends with
the medial canthus and the medial check ligament, attaching to the medial orbital
wall at the lacrimal crest. The ligament forms a hammock between the lateral and medial
orbital margins and encloses the inferior oblique and inferior rectus muscles, providing
support and preventing downward displacement of the globe.[14]
Whitnall's Ligament
Whitnall's ligament is a fascial sling that extends from the trochlea to the lateral
orbital wall. It has attachments to the levator aponeurosis, superior rectus, conjunctiva,
and Tenon's capsule.
Check Ligaments
The medial and lateral check ligaments extend from the orbital septum, levator aponeurosis,
and muscle sheaths to attach to the medial orbital wall at the posterior lacrimal
crest and lateral orbital wall at Whitnall's tubercle.[14]
Orbital Fat
Orbital fat is separated into the intraconal fat surrounding the optic nerve and the
extraconal fat located between the rectus muscles and the periorbita. The fat is bordered
anteriorly by the orbital septum and is organized into distinct fat pockets behind
the septum. Posteriorly, the upper and lower lid fat pads are bordered by the levator
aponeurosis or the capsulopalpebral fascia, respectively. In the upper eyelid, there
are two fat pockets: nasal and central. In the lower eyelid, there are three compartments:
nasal, central and temporal. These fat compartments are separated by the different
septal and orbital fascias.
The intraconal portion of orbital fat contributes significantly to the maintenance
of globe position. The extraconal fat is distributed throughout the anterior orbit
and does not seem to contribute to the position of the globe. It is this latter fat
that is reduced during blepharoplasty.
Lacrimal System
The lacrimal system is composed of the puncta, canaliculi, common canaliculus, lacrimal
sac, and nasolacrimal duct. The upper and lower puncta are located at the lid margin
and travel to the canaliculi. The canaliculi extend superiorly or inferiorly from
the puncta and then turn medially to parallel the eyelid margin. In most patients,
the upper and lower canaliculi combine into a common canaliculus prior to entering
the lacrimal sac. The valve of Rosenmüller is located at this point and prevents backflow
of fluid from the lacrimal sac into the common canaliculus. The lacrimal sac is contained
within the lacrimal sac fossa, which is comprised of the maxilla anteriorly and the
lacrimal bone posteriorly. The fossa is found adjacent to the middle meatus at or
just anterior to the head of the middle turbinate. The lacrimal sac then drains into
the nasolacrimal duct, which finally empties into the inferior meatus at the valve
of Hasner.
Extraocular Muscles
The extraocular muscles, which are responsible for eye movement, include the four
rectus muscles, the superior oblique muscle, and the inferior oblique muscle. With
the exception of the inferior oblique, all of the extraocular muscles originate at
the annulus of Zinn and travel anteriorly to insert into the globe ([Fig. 5]).
Fig. 5 Extraocular muscles and neurovascular supply of the orbit.
The levator superioris also originates at the annulus of Zinn, acts to elevate the
upper eyelid, and is innervated by the oculomotor nerve (III). The superior oblique
attaches via a trochlea to the orbit on the medial side of the roof, and its tendon
extends posteriorly from the trochlea and laterally to insert onto the posterior globe.
It functions to rotate the globe inferiorly and is innervated by the trochlear nerve
(IV).
The inferior oblique attaches to the medial orbital rim and runs obliquely along the
orbital floor over the inferior orbital fissure to attach to the globe. It rotates
the eye externally and superiorly and is innervated by the oculomotor nerve (III).
The superior, medial, inferior, and lateral rectus muscles run from the annulus of
Zinn anteriorly to insert into the globe. The medial, inferior, and superior rectus
muscles are innervated by the oculomotor nerve (III). The smooth muscle portion of
the inferior and superior lid (Mueller's muscles) is supplied by sympathetic fibers
of the superior cervical ganglion. The lateral rectus is innervated by the abducens
nerve (VI). All of these nerves enter the orbit through the superior orbital fissure.
Bulbus Oculi
The ocular globe is an approximately spherical, hollow structure composed of a fluid-filled
cavity surrounded by a wall made of three layers, an outermost fibrous layer, an intermediate
vascular layer, and an innermost neural layer. The fibrous layer encompasses the sclera
and cornea; the vascular layer consists of the uvea, which is composed of the iris,
ciliary body, and choroid; and the neural layer is made up of the retina, which extends
over the optic nerve and deep to the choroid around the walls of the globe to the
ora serrata. This trilaminar structure further subdivides the globe into two compartments,
the anterior compartment, which contains aqueous humor, and the posterior compartment,
which contains vitreous humor.
The anterior compartment of the globe is bounded by the cornea anteriorly and the
lens posteriorly. It is further divided into two chambers that communicate through
the pupil, the anterior chamber, which is located between the cornea and the iris,
and the posterior chamber, which lies between the iris and the lens. The posterior
compartment of the globe is bounded anteriorly and posteriorly by the hyaloid membranes.
The hyaloid canal projects from the posterior aspect of the lens to the center of
the optic disc.
The vascular supply of the globe is provided by branches of the ophthalmic artery,
specifically the central retinal artery and the short and long posterior ciliary arteries.
Sensory innervation is from the long and short ciliary nerves, branches of the nasociliary
nerve.
Surgical Approaches to the Orbit
Surgical Approaches to the Orbit
Traditional approaches to the anterior orbit involve either transcutaneous or transconjunctival
incisions. The location of the incision is determined by the quadrant of the orbit
that needs to be accessed. Transcutaneous incisions, with the exception of the bicoronal
approach, are made at the orbital rim or within a lid crease. Examples of orbital
rim incisions include the direct brow, subbrow, inferior rim, Kronlein, and lateral
canthotomy. Eyelid incisions include the upper lid crease, subciliary, and subtarsal,
discussed briefly below.[15]
Exposure of the superior orbit can be achieved using a transcutaneous incision in
the supratarsal fold of the upper lid. This incision is extended through the skin
and orbicularis muscle. Subsequent dissection in the plane between the orbicularis
oculi and orbital septum will allow entry into the orbit. Whether the periosteum or
the orbital septum is incised depends on the surgical indication. For more extensive
exposure of the superior orbit and/or the medial and lateral walls or to allow access
for orbital osteotomies, the bicoronal incision is the preferred approach. An incision
is made along the vertex of the head and extended inferiorly into either the preauricular
or postauricular regions. Inferior dissection from the hairline to the orbital rims
is then carried out in the subpericranial plane to avoid injury to the facial and
supraorbital nerves.
For access to the inferior and lateral orbit, the most frequently utilized cutaneous
approaches are the subciliary and subtarsal approaches. The subciliary incision is
made approximately 2 mm below and parallel to the lash line. The preseptal plane can
then be entered directly through the orbicularis or in a stepped manner and followed
to the level of infraorbital rim. The periosteum along the anterior surface of the
orbital rim is incised to provide access to the bony orbit. The subtarsal approach
involves a transcutaneous incision in the subtarsal fold or 5 to 7 mm below the free
lid margin. The orbicularis oculi is divided a few millimeters below the skin incision,
and dissection is performed anterior to the orbital septum down to the infraorbital
rim. Periosteum is again incised.[16]
The transconjunctival approach is useful for access to the inferior, lateral, and
medial orbit. To achieve access comparable to the transcutaneous approaches, this
approach may often need to be combined with a lateral canthotomy. The inferior fornix
transconjunctival incision is made through the lower lid conjunctiva approximately
2 to 3 mm inferior to the tarsus. Dissection proceeds in either a preseptal or postseptal
plane to the infraorbital rim, where the periosteum is incised to gain access to the
orbital floor. The lower lid retractors and conjunctival incision do not need to be
reattached. However, if a combined lateral canthotomy was performed, resuspension
of the lower lid tarsal plate via the lateral canthal attachment is necessary.
Access to the posterior orbit or retrobulbar space may involve a lateral orbitotomy,
which involves a lateral canthotomy or extended eyelid crease skin incision followed
by removal of a portion of the lateral orbital wall.
To expand surgical access to the medial canthal apparatus, lacrimal drainage system,
and/or inferior oblique muscle, a transcaruncular approach can be used either alone
or in conjunction with the inferior fornix approach. The incision is located between
the plica semilunaris and caruncle and extends into the superior and inferior fornices.
Dissection is carried toward the posterior lacrimal crest, where the periorbita is
incised to allow access to the medial orbit. The medial orbit may also be approached
transcutaneously through a curvilinear incision anterior to the medial canthus that
extends along the frontal process of the maxilla superiorly to the nasofrontal suture
and inferiorly to the orbital rim. Adequate exposure can be limited by the medial
canthal ligament to the frontal process. If the medial canthus is detached, it must
be carefully resuspended, usually via a transnasal canthoplexy.[17]
Neurosurgical approaches, such as the fronto-orbito-zygomatic cranio-orbitotomy, can
provide a global view of the deep and medial components of the orbit, including the
orbital apex, optic canal, and adjacent intracranial structures.[18]
More recently, endoscopic approaches to the orbit have been developed and described
in the surgical treatment of both extraconal, particularly for the orbital apex and
periorbital skull base, and intraconal lesions. Several studies have shown similar
efficacy and complication rates compared to traditional external approaches.[19] Specifically, transorbital neuroendoscopic surgery has also been developed to allow
for access to difficult-to-reach areas such as the greater wing of the sphenoid and
the lateral portion of the anterior skull base.