Orbital Bone Fracture Repair Evaluation Through 3-Dimensional Computational Reconstruction and Orbital Volumetric Assessment

Abstract

Background: Three-dimensional (3D) models generated from computed tomography (CT) images efficiently and accurately complement surgical comprehension. Additionally, computer modeling provides a substrate for comparative analysis of the treated orbit volume. This study aimed to investigate cases of orbital bone fractures with regard to orbital-defect correction, through 3D computational structural modeling and evaluation of orbital volume. Methods: A total of 136 cases of orbital fractures with a diagnosis and surgical treatment were identified, of which 15 were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The construction of the preoperative and postoperative 3D models was based on CT images, supported by a medical imaging design system; this technique enabled the calculation of orbital volumetric measurements with the normal contralateral orbit as a reference. Results: Three-dimensional modeling in the preoperative and postoperative periods was performed for each patient. This study revealed that (1) preoperatively, the affected side had greater volume followed by postoperative reduction and (2) after surgical correction, the affected side had smaller volume and was equivalent to the unaffected side. However, there were no statistically significant differences between the periods (preoperative and postoperative) with regard to the mean and distribution of orbital volume or between the mean orbital volumes of the 2 sides. Conclusions: Using 3D computer modeling of bone structures, it is possible to evaluate orbital bone fractures after surgical correction. The effectiveness of preoperative and postoperative treatments was confirmed by comparing orbital volumetrics. It was not possible to assess soft tissues due to postoperative edema.