We investigated the surgical anatomy of the deep lateral orbital wall via dissection of Korean cadavers and analysis of the orbit in normal adults using computed tomography.

Twelve cadavers were used to determine the exact anatomic index of the orbital lateral wall, and computed tomography images of 20 patients were used for surgical anatomic measurements during deep lateral orbital wall decompression. Additionally, the anatomic indexes measured in the cadavers and in the computed tomography study were compared and analyzed.

In the cadaver study, the mean distance from the orbital rim to the end of the superior orbital fissure was 36.7 ± 1.98 mm, to the rim of the frontosphendoial suture was 18.2 ± 1.92 mm, and from the end of the superior orbital fissure to the inferior orbital fissure was 17.1 ± 1.19 mm. In the computed tomography study, the mean value from the orbital rim to the end of the superior orbital fissure was 39.2 ± 2.46 mm, and from the rim to the frontosphenoidal suture was 17.8 ± 1.56 mm.

The present study regarding the surgical index of the lateral orbital wall in Koreans will assist surgeons to safely and confidently perform deep lateral orbital wall decompression.