Orbital Defects Research Articles

Viability of Free Bone Graft in Combination With Free Tissue Transfer and Post-Operative RT in Orbital Floor Reconstruction.

Orbital floor reconstruction post cancer ablation is challenging especially when associated with extensive soft tissue defects. Due consideration is to be given to the possible toxicities of adjuvant radiotherapy as well. Free bone-soft tissue flaps are ideally suited in such situations. However, a single flap may fall inadequate for large defects. Using two free flaps in combination increases operating time and donor site morbidities. Non-vascularized bone grafts combined with large soft tissue flaps harbor the risk of bone resorption and osteo-radio necrosis. Alloplastic implants can lead to exposure and infection. We conducted a study researching the outcome of non-vascularized cortico-cancellous iliac bone graft (NVCIBG) used in orbital floor reconstruction along with free anterolateral thigh (FALT) flap in subjects undergoing extensive surgical ablation and adjuvant radiotherapy. Ten consecutive subjects who underwent maxillo-mandibular resection with or without skin were included in the study. The parameters assessed were diplopia, ectropion, bone viability, and osteointegration. Subjects were assessed in the immediate post-operative period, 1 month after surgery, and after 1 year of radiotherapy. The size of iliac bone harvested ranged from 3 to 5.5 cm (mean 4.8 cm). Forty percent subjects complained of binocular diplopia in the initial post-operative period which subsided subsequently. Thirty percent subjects developed ectropion all of whom required external skin reconstruction. None developed osteoradionecrosis. NVCIBG along with FALT flap is an excellent reconstructive option for orbital floor defects. It can withstand the toxicities of adjuvant radiotherapy and avoids the need for double free flap reconstruction. 4 Laryngoscope, 2024.

Innovative Orbital Periosteum Suturing Technique for Endoscopic Medial Orbital Wall Reconstruction

Abstract Background Advances in endoscopic orbital surgery have sparked discussion regarding reconstructive procedures for medial orbital wall defects following tumor removal. This study describes an innovative orbital periosteal suturing technique that addresses the functional and aesthetic concerns created by orbital surgery. Objective Comprehensive clinical evaluation of a novel orbital periosteal suturing technique for endoscopic medial orbital wall reconstruction. Methods A retrospective chart review identified five patients who underwent endoscopic transnasal resection and subsequent orbital periosteal suturing for reconstruction. The surgical approach involved a binostril transseptal technique to create a broad surgical corridor. The postoperative follow-up was 13.4 ± 1.8 months. Results In the five patients, the mean age was 47.6 ± 13.0 years and the lesions were predominantly distributed on the left side (60%). Reconstruction time with the orbital periosteal suture procedure averaged 47.2 ± 6.6 minutes, employing four to five stitches. No patients experienced short-term complications such as visual acuity defect, new or exacerbated diplopia, or cranial nerve palsy within 2 weeks, and no long-term complications such as enophthalmos or prolonged diplopia were observed. Conclusion Orbital periosteal suturing is an effective and resource-efficient technique for endoscopic reconstruction of the medial orbital wall. Surgeons may consider this method among the available options for orbital reconstruction, representing a novel advancement in the field.

A cadaveric study of induced isolated orbital floor fractures and implications for surgical decision-making: comparison of two preoperative imaging modalities

Computed tomography (CT) is the gold standard for the diagnosis of isolated orbital floor fractures, while cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is an alternative. The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of CT and CBCT for isolated orbital floor fractures. Forty-eight isolated orbital floor fractures were systematically induced in cadaver orbits. CBCT and CT scans of each cadaver head were performed and the image data imported into ProPlan CMF for analysis. The orbital floor area (OFA), orbital defect area (ODA), and peri-orbital tissue herniation were evaluated. Surgical decision-making differed significantly according to the imaging modality (P = 0.031). The odds of decision discrepancy between CBCT and CT were higher with increasing ODA/OFA ratios, when adjusted for peri-orbital tissue herniation and fracture localization (P = 0.026). An ODA/OFA ratio cut-off value of >36.25% had a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 71% (area under the curve 0.83, P = 0.011) for predicting discrepancies between CBCT and CT in surgical decision-making. In this cadaveric study, CT and CBCT were diagnostically equivalent for isolated orbital floor fractures with an ODA/OFA ratio ≤36.25%. However, fractures exceeding this threshold may be better evaluated by CT to avoid discrepancies in surgical decision-making.

Efficacy of Nasal Septal Complex in the Endoscopic Reconstruction of Medial Orbital Wall.

The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy of nasal septal complex reconstructing the medial orbital wall under some specific circumstances. The authors performed a study that included 10 patients who underwent isolated medial orbital wall fracture (blow-out fracture). All the reconstruction surgery of the patient included in this study fixed defect of medial orbital wall using autologous nasal septal complex (composed of nasal septal cartilage and perpendicular plate of ethmoid). The authors observed postoperative improvements of diplopia or ocular motility disorders of the affected orbit. The surgeries had gained satisfactory results, and without severe postoperative complications. After long-term follow-up, postoperative CT indicated the implant-covered defect of medial orbital wall, and there's no incarceration of the medial rectus. Meanwhile, the authors found there is no crack in the implant, and the surgery using nasal septal complex achieved premorbid orbital form. Autologous nasal septal complex provides a better complement to endoscopic reconstruction of medial orbital wall; this strategy allows nasal septum to reconstruct isolated medial orbital wall defects of various degrees, such as nasal septum fracture and dysplasia of perpendicular plate of ethmoid.

Long-term enophthalmos after complex orbital bone loss successfully treated with patient-specific porous titanium implants: A case series

IntroductionLong-term enophthalmos and diplopia resulting from orbital bone loss pose significant challenges in reconstructive surgery. This study evaluated the effectiveness of patient-specific porous titanium implants (PSIs) for addressing these conditions. Materials and methodsThis retrospective study involved 12 patients treated at Croix-Rousse Hospital, Lyon, from April 2015 to April 2022 who underwent late reconstruction via PSI for unilateral complex orbital bone loss. These implants were customized via 3D mirroring techniques on the basis of high-resolution computed tomography (CT) scans of the patients' unaffected orbits. ResultsAll 12 patients presented with significant preoperative enophthalmos, with an average displacement of 3.24 mm, which was effectively corrected postoperatively to an average of 0.17 mm (p < 0.001). Orbital volume notably improved from a preoperative average of 3.38 mL to 0.37 mL postsurgery (p < 0.001). Functional improvements were evident as both enophthalmos and diplopia resolved completely. The Lancaster test revealed an improvement in the visual field, with 83.3 % of patients achieving normal results postoperatively. DiscussionBy ensuring anatomical accuracy, patient-specific porous titanium implants, tailored from patient-specific imaging and fabricated via advanced 3D printing technology, provide a precise, effective, and reliable solution for reconstructing complex orbital defects and performing complicated revision surgeries.

Virtual reconstruction of orbital defects using Gaussian process morphable models.

The conventional method to reconstruct the bone level for orbital defects, which is based on mirroring and manual adaptation, is time-consuming and the accuracy highly depends on the expertise of the clinical engineer. The aim of this study is to propose and evaluate an automated reconstruction method utilizing a Gaussian process morphable model (GPMM). Sixty-five Computed Tomography (CT) scans of healthy midfaces were used to create a GPMM that can model shape variations of the orbital region. Parameter optimization was performed by evaluating several quantitative metrics inspired on the shape modeling literature, e.g. generalization and specificity. The reconstruction error was estimated by reconstructing artificial defects created in orbits from fifteen CT scans that were not included in the GPMM. The developed algorithms utilize the existing framework of Gaussian process morphable models, as implemented in the Scalismo software. By evaluating the proposed quality metrics, adequate parameters are chosen for non-rigid registration and reconstruction. The resulting median reconstruction error using the GPMM was lower (0.35 ± 0.16mm) compared to the mirroring method (0.52 ± 0.18mm). In addition, the GPMM-based reconstruction is automated and can be applied to large bilateral defects with a median reconstruction error of 0.39 ± 0.11mm. The GPMM-based reconstruction proves to be less time-consuming and more accurate than reconstruction by mirroring. Further validation through clinical studies on patients with orbital defects is warranted. Nevertheless, the results underscore the potential of GPMM-based reconstruction as a promising alternative for designing patient-specific implants.

The impact of orbital floor defect ratio on changes in the inferior rectus muscle and prediction of posttraumatic enophthalmos – A cadaver study

BackgroundOrbital floor fractures result in critical changes in the shape and inferior rectus muscle (IRM) position. Radiological imaging of IRM changes can be used for surgical decision making or prediction of ocular symptoms. Studies with a systematic consideration of the orbital floor defect ratio in this context are missing in the literature. Accordingly, this study on human cadavers aimed to systematically investigate the impact of the orbital floor defect ratio on changes in the IRM and the prediction of posttraumatic enophthalmos. MethodsSeventy-two orbital floor defects were placed in cadaver specimens using piezosurgical removal. The orbital defect area (ODA), orbital floor area (OFA), position and IRM shape, and enophthalmos were measured using computed tomography (CT) scans. ResultsThe ODA/OFA ratio correlated significantly (p < 0.001) with the shape (Spearman’s rho: 0.558) and position (Spearman’s rho: 0.511) of the IRM, and with enophthalmos (Spearman’s rho: 0.673). Increases in the ODA/OFA ratio significantly rounded the shape of the IRM (ß: 0.667; p < 0.001) and made a lower position of the IRM more likely (OR: 1.093; p = 0.003). In addition, increases in the ODA/OFA ratio were significantly associated with the development of relevant enophthalmos (OR: 1.159; p = 0.008), adjusted for the defect localization and shape of the IRM. According to receiver operating characteristics analysis (AUC: 0.876; p < 0.001), a threshold of ODA/OFA ratio ≥ 32.691 for prediction of the risk of development of enophthalmos yielded a sensitivity of 0.809 and a specificity of 0.842. ConclusionThe ODA/OFA ratio is a relevant parameter in the radiological evaluation of orbital floor fractures, as it increases the risk of relevant enophthalmos, regardless of fracture localization and shape of the IRM. Therefore, changes in the shape and position of the IRM should be considered in surgical treatment planning. A better understanding of the correlates of isolated orbital floor fractures may help to develop diagnostic scores and standardize therapeutic algorithms in the future.

Maxillary reconstruction with horizontally oriented scapular tip free flap: outcomes in orbital support and palate closure

BackgroundCurrent indications of maxillary reconstruction with scapular tip free flap are palatoalveolar defects associated with zygomaticomaxillary buttress and/or orbital floor defects. The scapular tip free flap can be placed either horizontally or vertically. Horizontal placement usually allows ideal palatal conformation preventing oronasal communication but has been argued to compromise orbital support and projection of the midface, while vertical placement is advocated for midface support but may be insufficient for complete closure of the palate. The present work focuses on the horizontal placing of scapular tip free flap to allow complete palate reconstruction and fistulae prevention while still obtaining optimal midface projection and orbital support. Material and methodsWe share our experience of twenty-one case complex maxillary reconstructions with this flap, in which the horizontally placed scapular tip component replaced the palate, a muscular flap component was included for midface volume restoration and an alloplastic implant utilized for supporting the orbital content when needed. Observation and resultsNone of our patients presented palatal fistulas or alterations in the orbital support. ConclusionA multi-level approach is proposed according to the maxillectomy defect. Our experience supports the horizontal insetting of the scapular tip free flap to allow palatal fistulae prevention while still obtaining an optimal midface projection and orbital floor support.

Delayed Orbital Floor Reconstruction Using Mirroring Technique and Patient-Specific Implants: Proof of Concept.

Enophthalmos is a severe complication of primary reconstruction following orbital floor fractures, oncological resections, or maxillo-facial syndromes. The goal of secondary orbital reconstruction is to regain a symmetrical globe position to restore function and aesthetics. In this article, we present a method of computer-assisted orbital floor reconstruction using a mirroring technique and a custom-made titanium or high-density polyethylene mesh printed using computer-aided manufacturing techniques. This reconstructive protocol involves four steps: mirroring of the healthy orbit computer tomography files at the contralateral affected site, virtual design of a customized implant, computer-assisted manufacturing (CAM) of the implant using Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) or Computer Numerical Control (CNC) methods, and surgical insertion of the device. Clinical outcomes were assessed using 3dMD photogrammetry and computed tomography measures in 13 treated patients and compared to a control group treated with stock implants. An improvement of 3.04 mm (range 0.3-6 mm) in globe protrusion was obtained for the patients treated with patient-specific implants (PSI), and no major complications have been registered. The technique described here appears to be a viable method for correcting complex orbital floor defects needing delayed reconstruction.

Orbital Defect Reconstruction using Customized Implants: Current Techniques and Long-Term Outcomes in Maxillofacial Surgery.

This systematic review investigates the current methods and long-term results of maxillofacial surgery orbital defect restoration with personalized implants. PRISMA standards were followed in order to identify and analyze pertinent studies that focused on patient-specific implants (PSI) for orbital abnormalities. This was accomplished by a thorough search of multiple databases. The findings demonstrate how well PSI works to improve both functional and cosmetic outcomes, such as the correction of facial asymmetries, enophthalmos, and diplopia. Surgical navigation and 3D printing are examples of cutting-edge technology that have improved orbital defect reconstruction's precision and versatility. While some research points to a trend toward better results when using PSI as opposed to more conventional methods, additional long-term data is required to properly assess its effectiveness. The analysis highlights the role that customized implants play in attaining the best possible outcomes and urges more research to improve surgical methods and assess patient outcomes over long time frames.

Rehabilitation of an orbital defect using a silicone prosthesis with a custom ocular portion – A case report

ABSTRACT The surgical removal of the orbit can be a psychologically traumatic event that may incapacitate patients. The prosthetic rehabilitation of such defects is complex and artistically driven. This case report describes the aesthetic rehabilitation of a patient who had undergone unilateral orbital exenteration due to COVID-19-associated rhino-orbital mucormycosis. This technique uses commonly available materials in the dental clinic and artists’ colors for the fabrication of a custom ocular portion of the silicone orbital prosthesis that closely matches the natural eye color of the patient.

Reconstruction of Orbital Exenteration Defects with Cross-median Forehead Flaps.

The aim of this study was to examine the role of forehead flaps in the reconstruction of orbital defects after exenteration. Patients undergoing orbital exenteration and reconstruction using median forehead flaps from January 2002 to August 2019 were enrolled in this retrospective study. All the patients were evaluated for wound complications, functional results, and tumor relapse. In total, 105 patients completed the study. Twenty-nine complications in 24 of these patients were assessed. The most common complications were wound dehiscence (11%), partial necrosis of the flap (6%), and bleeding (4%). A major complication occurred in two patients (2%), necessitating surgical correction. Only one patient had a local relapse. Sixty patients received osseointegrated implants, and 58 of them were treated with facial prostheses. The follow-up periods ranged from 6 to 189 months. Thus, forehead flap reconstruction after exenteration is a reliable method with a low complication rate. This technique can be used for primary or secondary reconstruction, and excellent long-term functional results can be achieved. A relapse-oriented follow-up is certainly possible.

Pedicled Osseous Reconstruction of Orbital Floor Defects Post-Total Maxillectomy

Pedicled Osseous Reconstruction of Orbital Floor Defects Post-Total Maxillectomy

Customized Prosthetic Management for Post Orbital Exenteration Patient: A Case Report

Introduction : Orbital exenterations are performed to treat malignancies, orbital injury or other chronic conditions unresponsive to conservative therapy. Exenteration can result in depression, difficulties in daily activities, and aesthetic problems. Orbital prosthetic is an alternative therapy for aesthetic rehabilitation and protection of the orbital cavity.&#x0D; Case Illustration : A 46-year-old woman came with a chief complain of a black mass on the left lower eyelid ten years ago. Patient was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma and underwent extirpation of the mass with skin graft reconstruction. On histopathological examination, it was discovered that the incision base was not free of tumor. Patient came two years later with recurrent black mass invaded cornea and sclera, and then underwent exenteration of the left eye (Figure 1). Patient completed 40 cycles of radiotherapy and then used spectacle retained orbital prosthetic (Figure 2 &amp; 3).&#x0D; Discussion : Orbital prosthetics are synthetic replacement after exenteration that can restores orbit, eyelid, eye and periorbita anatomy. Orbital prosthetic retention can be aided by attachment to spectacle, use of magnets, adhesives or osseointegrated implants. Spectacle retained orbital prosthetic is the easiest and the most affordable prosthetic to construct.&#x0D; Conclusion : Orbital defects rehabilitation improves physical and psychological well-being. Due to the complexity of prosthetic fabrication and production cost, retention of the orbital prosthetic with spectacles is the most suitable alternative treatment option in some cases, it is also the easiest prosthetic to construct and inexpensive.

Quantitate evaluation of photogrammetry with CT scanning for orbital defect

Facial deformities can be caused by cancer, tumours, trauma, infections, congenital or acquired defects and may lead to alteration in basic functions such as communication, breathing, and mastication and aesthetic thereby affecting quality of life. Traditional processes for manufacturing maxillofacial prostheses involve complicated, time-consuming and tedious processes for the patient and the operator. Impression of the defect area, which is the one of the crucial step in fabrication of prosthesis, is the longest and most difficult process as it requires a long contact with the patient. The digital revolution is now changing the landscape of prosthetic production and making the impression making procedure simpler. Digital technology reduces patient chair side time by providing more accurate display data in less time (3–5 min) than traditional methods. Digital impressions eliminate the need for bulky impression materials and provide a more comfortable patient experience.

Zygomatic and midface fractures and post-traumatic orbital defects—primary and delayed primary treatment

Zygomatic and midface fractures and post-traumatic orbital defects—primary and delayed primary treatment

Maxillofacial rehabilitation of orbital rhabdomyosarcoma exenteration: A clinical report.

Maxillofacial rehabilitation of an orbital defect plays a crucial role in enhancing the esthetics of the facial defect. The eye is a vital organ, the loss of which requires a customized approach for post-defect rehabilitation. Advanced treatment option such as implant-supported orbital prosthesis has a superior outcome in terms of retention and esthetics, but due to economic factor, it is not affordable for all patients. This case report describes a simplified rehabilitation technique for a patient with an orbital defect where retention is achieved by spectacles and satisfactory esthetics are obtained.

Orbital floor defect caused by invasive aspergillosis: a case report and literature review.

Fungal sinusitis is relatively rare, but it has become more common in recent years. When fungal sinusitis invades the orbit, it can cause proptosis, chemosis, ophthalmoplegia, retroorbital pain, and vision impairment. We present a case of an extensive orbital floor defect due to invasive fungal sinusitis. A 62-year-old man with hypertension and a history of lung adenocarcinoma, presented with right-side facial pain and swelling. On admission, the serum glucose level was 347 mg/dL, and hemoglobin A1c was 11.4%. A computed tomography scan and a Waters' view X-ray showed right maxillary sinusitis with an orbital floor defect. On hospital day 3, functional endoscopic sinus surgery was performed by the otorhinolaryngology team, and an aspergilloma in necrotic inflammatory exudate obtained during exploration. On hospital day 7, orbital floor reconstruction with a Medpor Titan surgical implant was done. In principle, the management of invasive sino- orbital fungal infection often begins with surgical debridement and local irrigation with an antifungal agent. Exceptionally, in this case, debridement and immediate orbital floor reconstruction were performed to prevent enophthalmos caused by the extensive orbital floor defect. The patient underwent orbital floor reconstruction and received intravenous and oral voriconazole. Despite orbital invasion, there were no ophthalmic symptoms or sequelae.

Stacked fibula flap for unilateral total maxillectomy reconstruction with orbital preservation.

Unilateral total maxillectomy is indicated for locally advanced maxillary tumors that require complete removal of the midface bony structure and inferior orbital rim. Reconstruction of this defect is challenging due to aesthetic and functional concerns. A retrospective review of patients at two tertiary-care institutions undergoing unilateral total maxillectomy reconstruction with a stacked fibula flap from 2018 to 2022 was performed. Each patient's clinical course was reviewed, and attention was focused on the demonstration of surgical steps with photos. Twenty patients underwent stacked fibula flap reconstruction for unilateral total maxillectomy orbital preservation defects. Surgical extirpation was performed for malignancy (80%, 16/20) and for osteoradionecrosis or benign tumor in 20% (4/20). The complication rate was 30% (6/20). Most flaps survived (95%, 19/20). We present a modified, reproducible method of fibula flap reconstruction for unilateral total maxillectomy with orbital preservation that only requires two segments and maintains positive aesthetic and functional results.

Restoring Quality of Life: Assessing the Impact of Free Flap Reconstruction in Coronavirus Disease 2019-Associated Rhino-Orbital Mucormycosis Patients.

Background In India, between May 5 and July 2021, 41,512 cases and 3,554 deaths due to mucormycosis were reported in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-infected patients or COVID-19-recovered patients. COVID-19-associated rhino-orbital mucormycosis (CAROM) has been associated with adverse effects that can affect oral health, vision, and physical as well as emotional functioning. After the radical debridement of CAROM and antifungal therapy, reconstructive surgery should be employed to restore function and aesthetics; however, limited clinical data exist on its potential effect on the quality of life (QOL) of these patients. Objective Our objective was to assess the QOL among CAROM patients reconstructed with free flap surgery. Materials and Methods This analysis studied 19 patients of CAROM who had maxillectomy and/or orbital exenteration defects reconstructed with free flaps at a tertiary care center. All these patients were free from any residual disease, as confirmed by tissue biopsy taken from the affected area. The QoL of these patients was assessed 1 week preoperatively and 4 to 6 months postoperatively using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Head and Neck Module (EORTC QLQ-HN43) questionnaire module. Results There was a statistically significant improvement in 10 out of the total 19 parameters ( p < 0.05) which include pain in the mouth, problems opening mouth, speech, swallowing, weight loss, dry mouth and sticky saliva, body image, fear of progression, social contact, and social eating. Conclusion The EORTC QLQ-HN43 questionnaire module presented a statistically significant improvement in the functional as well as psychological status of the CAROM patients undergoing reconstruction by free flap surgery.