Aging of the Bony Orbit A ThreeDimensional Compu

Authors: Kahn David M Shaw Robert B

Publish Date: 2008/05/01

Volume: 28, Issue: 3, Pages: 258-264

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Abstract

Methods Facial bone computed tomography CT scans were obtained from 60 white subjects 30 female 30 male Our study population consisted of 10 male and 10 female subjects in each of 3 age categories Each CT scan underwent threedimensional 3D reconstruction with volume rendering Orbital aperture width was measured as a line drawn from the posterior lacrimal crest to the frontozygomatic suture This line was then used as the xaxis from which the distance to the superior and inferior orbital rim at nine equal increments labeled 10 to 90 was obtained The orbital aperture area was also measured on each 3D model The Student t test was used to identify any trends between age groupsResults The orbital aperture width and area in both our male and female subjects showed a significant increase with increasing age There was a significant increase in height of the superior orbital rim medially in both genders suggesting that the superior orbital rim receded with age in this region The inferior orbital rim receded significantly laterally in our female population while our male subjects had a recession of the entire inferior orbital rimFacial aging is a dynamic process involving the aging of soft tissue and bony structures The skin undergoes atrophy with a loss of tone and elasticity Subcutaneous fat atrophies with a decreased adherence to underlying layers leading to gravitational descent These factors contribute to orbital hooding crows feet and the sagging appearance of aged facial skinIn regards to aging of the bony orbit Pessa1 analyzed male skulls and found an enlargement in the bony orbit with changes to its curvilinear form with increasing age The volume of the bony orbit has also been shown to increase with age6 In this study we will evaluate how specific bony aspects of the orbit change with age in both men and women and what implications these structural changes may have on the techniques used in facial cosmetic surgery

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