Reconstruction of severe medial orbital wall fractures using titanium mesh plates by the pericaruncular approach

Abstract

Medial orbital wall fractures can cause severe aesthetic and functional complications, if not treated properly. The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate the use of titanium mesh plates inserted through the pericaruncular approach for the treatment of medial orbital wall fractures. Between 1 July 2010 and 1 January 2013, a total of 17 patients with large medial orbital wall defects were treated. All of the large bony defects were treated using titanium mesh plates inserted through the pericaruncular approach. All patients had anatomically correct orbital wall reconstruction as accessed by immediate postoperative computed tomography scan. One patient with large bony defects presented with diplopia after the primary procedure. Re-operation was needed for correction. After surgery, the diplopia was corrected. In all patients, postoperative morbidity was minimal and cosmetic results were excellent. Titanium mesh may be a valuable material for the reconstruction of severe medial orbital wall defects. Its advantages include excellent structural support, shorter operative time, and ease of being moulded into the desired shape. The pericaruncular approach may allow for or give direct access to the medial orbital wall and orbital apex without any cutaneous incision or disruption of the medial canthal ligament, and insertion of titanium mesh plates is possible under direct vision. It is proposed that this technique could be advantageous in the reconstruction of severe medial orbital wall fractures.