An anatomical study of the junction of the orbital septum and the levator aponeurosis in Orientals

Abstract

The anatomical relationships of the orbital septum and levator aponeurosis has been studied in 40 eyelids subjected to blepharoplasty and corrective ptosis surgery by dissection in 10 cadavers and in histological sections. The orbital septum originates from the arcus marginalis of the frontal bone and consists of two layers. The whitish outer (superficial) layer, containing vertically running vessels, descends just inside the orbicularis oculi muscle to interdigitate with the levator aponeurosis with loose connective tissue, then disperses inferiorly. The inner (deep) layer follows the superficial one initially, then reflects at the levator aponeurosis and continues posteriorly with the levator sheath. We reconfirmed Whitnall's original description that the levator sheath thickens to form the superior transverse ligament runs continuously inferiorly anterior to the levator aponeurosis and forms the inner layer of the orbital septum. This detailed anatomical analysis should assist in performing upper eyelid surgery such as the Oriental double fold operation or levator resection.