Abstract
The present study aimed to analyze if a preformed “hybrid” patient-specific orbital mesh provides a more accurate reconstruction of the orbital floor and a better functional outcome than a standardized, intraoperatively adapted titanium implant. Thirty patients who had undergone surgical reconstruction for isolated, unilateral orbital floor fractures between May 2016 and November 2018 were included in this study. Of these patients, 13 were treated conventionally by intraoperative adjustment of a standardized titanium mesh based on assessing the fracture’s shape and extent. For the other 17 patients, an individual three-dimensional (3D) anatomical model of the orbit was fabricated with an in-house 3D-printer. This model was used as a template to create a so-called “hybrid” patient-specific titanium implant by preforming the titanium mesh before surgery. The functional and cosmetic outcome in terms of diplopia, enophthalmos, ocular motility, and sensory disturbance trended better when “hybrid” patient-specific titanium meshes were used but with statistically non-significant differences. The 3D-printed anatomical models mirroring the unaffected orbit did not delay the surgery’s timepoint. Nonetheless, it significantly reduced the surgery duration compared to the traditional method (58.9 (SD: 20.1) min versus 94.8 (SD: 33.0) min, p-value = 0.003). This study shows that using 3D-printed anatomical models as a supporting tool allows precise and less time-consuming orbital reconstructions with clinical benefits.
Highlights
From May 2016 to November 2018, 32 patients underwent reconstruction of isolated, unilateral orbital floor fracture with a titanium mesh plate, of whom 30 patients (15 women, 15 men) satisfied the inclusion criteria of the present study
Of the 32 patients undergoing orbital reconstruction of isolated, unilateral orbital floor fracture with a titanium mesh, 30 (15 female and 15 male patients, mean age 51.2 (SD 20.4)
The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the functional outcome in terms of diplopia, enophthalmos, ocular motility, and sensory disturbance after orbital reconstructions with standardized and a “hybrid” patient-specific implant, which was pre-bent on a 3D-printed orbital model
Summary
Fractures of the orbit are common injuries of the midface [1]. They can cause changes in the orbital structures and entrapments of vital tissues resulting in the most common symptoms diplopia, impairment of ocular motility, and enophthalmos [2]. Available methods, and materials for reconstructing the orbital floor defects are still controversially discussed nowadays. For example, there are no uniform recommendations for surgical intervention of orbital floor fractures. There is no explicit agreement about the ideal material for orbital reconstructions. The material should be similar to the orbital bone, easy to handle, and provide a lifelong stable result [7]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
