Lacrimal Bones: Tiny Bones Bearing Tear Ducts

Lacrimal bones are tiny flat bones found in the medial wall of each orbit. They are paired bones, meaning there is one on each side of the face. Lacrimal bones are quadrangular in shape and have a thin plate. They are transparent and delicate.

Functions of Lacrimal Bones

Lacrimal bones have three main functions:

1. Forming the medial wall of the orbit: The lacrimal bones help to form the medial wall of the orbit, which is the cavity that houses the eyeball.
2. Protecting the lacrimal sac: The lacrimal bones help to protect the lacrimal sac, which is a small sac that collects tears.
3. Providing a passageway for tears: The lacrimal bones have a groove that allows tears to flow from the lacrimal sac to the nasolacrimal duct, which drains tears into the nose.

Structure of Lacrimal Bones

Lacrimal bones have four borders:

1. Superior border: Articulates with the frontal bone.
2. Inferior border: Articulates with the maxillary bone.
3. Medial border: Articulates with the ethmoid bone.
4. Lateral border: Articulates with the zygomatic bone.

Lacrimal bones have two surfaces:

1. Orbital surface: Faces the orbit and is smooth and concave.
2. Facial surface: Faces the face and is slightly convex.

Clinical Significance of Lacrimal Bones

Lacrimal bones are important clinically because they can be involved in a variety of diseases and injuries. These include:

• Lacrimal bone fractures: Fractures of the lacrimal bone can occur as a result of trauma to the face.
• Lacrimal bone tumors: Tumors of the lacrimal bone are rare, but they can occur.
• Lacrimal bone infections: Infections of the lacrimal bone can occur as a result of the spread of infection from the orbit or the sinuses.

Interesting Stories About Lacrimal Bones

Story 1:

A woman went to the doctor complaining of excessive tearing. The doctor examined her and found that she had a narrowing of the nasolacrimal duct. This was causing tears to overflow from her eyes. The doctor performed a dacryocystorhinostomy to widen the nasolacrimal duct and relieve the tearing.

What we learn:

Dacryocystorhinostomy is a surgical procedure that can be used to treat excessive tearing.

Story 2:

A man was involved in a car accident and fractured his lacrimal bone. The fracture caused his eye to become misaligned. The doctor performed surgery to repair the fracture and realign the eye.

What we learn:

Lacrimal bone fractures can occur as a result of trauma to the face. Surgery may be necessary to repair the fracture and realign the eye.

Story 3:

A woman was diagnosed with a tumor of the lacrimal bone. The tumor was benign, but it was growing and causing her pain. The doctor performed surgery to remove the tumor.

What we learn:

Tumors of the lacrimal bone are rare, but they can occur. Surgery may be necessary to remove the tumor.

Useful Tables

Table 1: Articulations of Lacrimal Bones

Table 2: Dimensions of Lacrimal Bones

Table 3: Clinical Significance of Lacrimal Bones

Tips and Tricks for Dealing with Lacrimal Bone Issues

• If you have a lacrimal bone fracture, apply ice to the area and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
• If you have a lacrimal bone tumor, see a doctor to discuss your treatment options.
• If you have a lacrimal bone infection, take antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor and keep the area clean.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Do not try to self-treat a lacrimal bone fracture or tumor.
• Do not delay seeking medical attention if you have a lacrimal bone infection.
• Do not ignore symptoms of a lacrimal bone problem.

How to Approach to Lacrimal Bone Issues

1. See a doctor to diagnose the problem.
2. Follow your doctor's instructions for treatment.
3. Take care of your eyes and avoid further injury.

Pros and Cons of Lacrimal Bone Surgery

Pros:

• Can repair fractures and remove tumors.
• Can relieve pain and improve vision.
• Is a relatively safe and effective procedure.

Cons:

• Can cause complications, such as infection, bleeding, and scarring.
• Can be expensive.
• May not be effective in all cases.

Call to Action

If you are experiencing any symptoms of a lacrimal bone problem, such as pain, swelling, or tearing, see a doctor as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent serious complications.