Clinical Characteristics and Surgical Outcomes of Isolated Superior Canalicular Lacerations.

BACKGROUND

To analyze the clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes of patients with isolated superior canalicular lacerations.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 42 patients with isolated superior canalicular lacerations who were treated at the Hebei Eye Hospital in North China between January 2016 and December 2022. Demographic data, causes of injury, associated injuries, and outcomes of microsurgical repair (anatomic and functional) were also evaluated.

RESULTS

Of the 42 patients, 31 (73.8%) were male and 11 (26.2%) were female, with an equal distribution between the right and left eyes. The average age was 27.1±19.7 years (range, 1-70 y), with the highest incidence in the 1 to 10 year age group (14 cases, 33.3%). The predominant occupations were farming (50.0%) and student (28.6%). Sharp object injuries were the main cause (29 cases, 69.0%), with hook injuries being the most common (15 cases, 51.7%), and the highest incidence observed in children aged 1 to 10 years (71.4%). The associated injuries included orbital fractures (23.8%) and globe rupture (16.7%). The initial misdiagnosis rate was 14.3%. Postoperative follow-up showed anatomic and functional success rates of 92.9% and 97.6%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Isolated superior canalicular lacerations were predominantly observed in male children and young adults, with hook injuries from sharp objects being the leading cause. Clinicians should be vigilant to avoid misdiagnoses, particularly in patients with facial trauma. Microsurgical repair is an effective treatment for a favorable prognosis.