Bony Regrowth After Deep Lateral Orbital Decompression.

PURPOSE: To report on 2 cases of late bony regrowth with clinically apparent proptosis after deep lateral orbital decompression for thyroid orbitopathy.

METHODS: A retrospective review of 2 cases identified by the authors as having late bony regrowth. The authors review the clinical, historical, radiologic, and anatomical findings and discuss the significance thereof.

RESULTS: Bony regrowth with bowing toward the middle cranial fossa is observed at postoperative month 8 in the first case. Cortical bone and marrow was observed to regrow at 2 years postoperatively in the second case. Both patients underwent successful repeat deep lateral orbital decompression with resolution of proptosis and clinical symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS: Late bony regrowth should be considered as a possible cause of recurrent proptosis after orbital decompression in thyroid eye disease.