A Historical Perspective of Lateral Canthotomy and Its Adoption as an Emergency Medicine Procedure

Publication date: Available online 30 October 2018

Source: The Journal of Emergency Medicine

Author(s): Michael V. Nguyen

Abstract

Background

The treatment of orbital compartment syndrome has a rich history rooted in surgery and emergency medicine. It is a rare but acute and vision-threatening condition that most commonly occurs secondary to facial trauma or as a postoperative complication, and was first recognized in 1950. Surgical techniques and medical management were developed and refined soon afterwards to eventually become the modern-day treatment, lateral canthotomy, and inferior cantholysis.

Objective

This article details the history of orbital compartment syndrome and the evolution of its treatment to the present day.

Discussion

Given the time-sensitive nature and acuity of orbital compartment syndrome, lateral canthotomy was adopted by emergency physicians who could perform it more quickly at the bedside.

Conclusions

Lateral canthotomy is a procedure adopted by emergency physicians from the surgical literature. The history of its adoption is a representative example of how emergency medicine evolves as a field.

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