A Novel Technique for Reconstruction of the Canthal Ligaments of the Lower Eyelid Using Barbed Sutures.

Background/

Objectives

Lower eyelid malposition is a recognized complication following eyelid tumor excision, trauma, or degenerative changes, and is frequently associated with laxity or disruption of the canthal ligaments. Conventional reconstruction techniques using autologous grafts such as fascia lata or auricular cartilage are effective but are associated with donor-site morbidity and increased surgical complexity. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and early outcomes of a novel technique for reconstruction and reinforcement of the lower eyelid canthal ligaments using a barbed suture system.

Methods

A single-institution retrospective case series was conducted, including consecutive patients who required lower eyelid canthal ligament reconstruction or horizontal support reinforcement from April 2025 to November 2025. Margin reflex distance 2 (MRD-2) was measured from standardized photographs preoperatively and at final follow-up. Munk scale scores, surgically induced astigmatism (SIA), and postoperative complications were recorded.

Results

Seven patients (median age 72 years; range 38-86) underwent the procedure. Indications included post-oncological eyelid reconstruction (n = 2), cicatricial ectropion (n = 2), paralytic ectropion (n = 1), involutional ectropion (n = 1), and cicatricial entropion (n = 1). The median follow-up was 189 days (range 105-280). MRD-2 at final follow-up was 5.4 mm in Case 1 (preoperative: 5.7 mm) and 4.1 mm in Case 2 (preoperative: 4.2 mm), indicating maintained eyelid position. Munk scale scores improved in four of five evaluated patients. No recurrence of ectropion or entropion was observed during follow-up. Transient linear skin indentation along the suture pathway was observed in all cases and resolved spontaneously in all patients by 3 months postoperatively. One patient experienced transient postoperative diplopia that resolved with conservative management.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the feasibility of lower eyelid canthal ligament reconstruction using a barbed suture system in a heterogeneous cohort of seven patients. Short-term results are encouraging, with maintained eyelid position and no recurrence of malposition observed during the follow-up period. These preliminary findings warrant further evaluation in larger, prospective, controlled studies with longer follow-up.