Application of three-dimensional printing technology in orbital floor fracture reconstruction

Abstract

ImportanceOrbital floor fracture is common among patients suffering from facial trauma. Open reduction and reconstruction of the orbital floor with Medpor is the treatment of choice in our centre to correct diplopia and enophthalmos.ObjectiveApplication of locally available 3D printing service in perioperative planning of orbital floor reconstruction with porous polyethylene.DesignWe present two patients who suffered from orbital floor fracture complicated by diplopia. Open reduction and orbital floor reconstruction with Medpor was performed with the guidance of a 3D printed customized model of the orbital floor defect.ParticipantsBoth patients were admitted through the Emergency Department to surgical ward after facial trauma. CT scan of the face showed orbital floor fracture with entrapment of inferior rectus muscle. Clinically patients also suffered from diplopia on extreme gaze.ResultsWith the aid of 3D printed model, it shortened operative time and duration of anaesthesia. Defect-specific Medpor could be trimmed and molded easily from the model and thus reduced fatigue of the material. Furthermore, the model was helpful in patient education and explanation of the surgical procedure.Conclusions and relevanceApplication of 3D printing in medical specialties is rapidly developing in the past few years. In orbital floor fracture reconstruction, 3D printed model provides a customized solution, decreases operative time and duration of anaesthesia.

Three-Dimensional Analysis of Isolated Orbital Floor Fractures Pre- and Post-Reconstruction with Standard Titanium Meshes and “Hybrid” Patient-Specific Implants

“…The combination of 3D imaging and individually adjusted so-called "hybrid patient-specific" titanium meshes have recently been introduced for effective reconstruction of the orbit. Pre-bent implants with a 3D-printed prototype of an orbital model have been found to be more accurate than conventional, freehand bent plates for the reconstruction of orbital fractures [8][9][10][11][12]. Compared to directly printed patient-specific titanium implants, which are usually manufactured externally and are still time-and cost-intensive, the so-called hybrid implants represent an interesting customized alternative.…”

Titanium Mesh versus Medpor Implant in Orbital Floor Reconstructions: A Comparative Study

“…Important is to regain function with synthetic implants or bone grafts. [ 12 ] There are various biomaterials for the reconstruction of the original bony contour as well as to restore the proper orbital volume. The autogenous, allogenic grafts, or alloplastic implants are used for the reconstruction.…”

3D Printing in Eye Care

“…Optimal implant sizing through 3D printing helps prevent globe misalignment, strabismus, blood loss, and other postoperative complications [ 70 – 73 ]. Preoperative sizing reduces surgical time and limits fatigue of the implant material due to fewer adjustments [ 74 ]. It also reduces the risk of misplacement and damage to adjacent structures, such as positioning an implant too posterior and impinging the optic nerve [ 75 ].…”