Surgical treatment of exophthalmos and exorbitism: a modified technique.

A modified surgical technique for the treatment of exophthalmos caused by Graves' disease or meningioma is presented. It is based on the orbital expansion as presented by Tessier (1969). It consisted of a lateral marginotomy with extension to the superior and inferior orbital rim and removal of the great wing of the sphenoid bone. The osteotomised orbital rim segment was advanced and stabilised by interposition of a calvarial bone graft. Concomitant lipectomy was carried out when indicated. Seven patients were operated on. No major complications occurred. The advantages of the method are discussed.