Optic nerve decompression via mid-facial translocation approach.

Abstract

Optic neuropathy is a disease complex with a broad range of etiologies that have a common end point if left untreated: blindness. Treatment varies from expectant management, medical therapy, to surgical treatment. We present a new technique for optic nerve decompression using a midfacial translocation approach. We present a case where this technique was used twice to decompress the optic nerve from an encroaching fibrous dysplasia in the same eye. Patient's vision had deteriorated to near blindness each time and it improved to its preoperative level after each surgery. This technique is especially useful in cases where the local anatomy and relevant landmarks have been distorted by the pathologic process and the surgeon requires a good exposure with minimal morbidity.