Pediatric canalicular lacerations: epidemiology and variables affecting repair success.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the epidemiology and outcomes of all pediatric canalicular lacerations at a high-volume urban tertiary eye care center. Variables of repair were evaluated in relation to age and success of repair.

METHODS: A retrospective review over a 10-year span of all primary pediatric canalicular laceration repairs was performed. Variables included patient demographics, repair setting, mechanism of injury, associated injuries, type of stent used, and success of repair.

RESULTS: Of 137 canalicular lacerations evaluated, 27.7% occurred in patients younger than 18 years. The majority of the children were male (73.7%) and white (68.4%), with a mean age of 10.8 years (range: 1.1 to 17.9 years). The mechanism of injury was significantly more likely to be due to dog bites in children when compared to adults (P < .0001), particularly those younger than 10 years (P = .0068). Repair was significantly more successful in the operating room than the minor procedure room, regardless of type of stent used (P = .0247). The majority of children did not have other injuries (60.5%). However, of the other injuries sustained, 52.6% required further monitoring or repair.

CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric canalicular lacerations are most common in young boys and dog bites are the most common etiology. Although many children may not have other injuries, full examination is warranted because other injuries may require intervention or more frequent monitoring.