Comparative evaluation of orbit dimensions on three-dimensional computed tomography images in adult patients referring to Alzahra Hospital in 2012‒2013

Raising knowledge about skeletal and soft tissue changes with aging has been highly essential due to an increasing demand for esthetic facial surgery due to aging. The aim of this study was to evaluate the three-dimensional computed tomography images to assess changes in the orbit with aging. In this analytical-descriptive study facial bone computed tomography (CT) scans were obtained from 66 subjects (33 females, 33 males). The subjects consisted of 11 males and 11 females in each of the three age categories: 20-40, 41‒60 and over 60. Each CT image was reinforced by using the Volume Viewer three-dimensional analysis software program. Linear measurements were carried out using Workstation GE 403 software program. Orbital aperture width was measured as a line drawn from the posterior lacrimal crest to the fronto-zygomatic suture. This line was then used as the x-axis from which the distances to the superior and inferior orbital rim at nine equal increments (labeled 1 to 9) were obtained. The height of the orbit was measured at 10 locations. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and post hoc LSD tests (α=0.05). In both genders there were significant changes in the orbital width (p value < 0.001) with aging. There was an increase in the height of superior orbital rim in both genders (p value < 0.05), except for location 8, i.e. the most lateral point, in males (p value = 0.3). In addition, there was an increase in the height of the inferior orbital rim in both genders (p value < 0.05), except for location 1 (the most medial point) in males (p value = 0.2), suggesting that the inferior and superior orbital rims receded with age. Under the limitations of the present study, recession takes place in the width and height of the orbit with advancing age in both males and females. Knowledge about these senile changes might prove useful in esthetic surgeries, facial reconstructions and reconstruction of facial changes.