Pneumatization of the Greater Wing of Sphenoid Utilization for Lateral Wall Decompression

Abstract

The goal of orbital decompression for thyroid orbitopathy is to expand the orbital space for the contents with various techniques described. Deep lateral wall decompression is a procedure that expands the orbit by removing bone from the greater wing of sphenoid however its effectiveness is dependent on the volume of bone removed. Pneumatization of the greater wing of sphenoid is defined as an extension of the sinus beyond the VR line (a straight line crossing the medial edges of the vidian canal and the foramen rotundum) which is a demarcation between the sphenoid body and the lateral parts of the sphenoid bone, including the greater wings and pterygoid process. We present a case of complete pneumatization of the greater wing of sphenoid affording a greater volume of bony decompression in a patient with significant proptosis and globe subluxation as a result of thyroid eye disease.