Does Preoperative Diplopia Determine the Incidence of Postoperative Diplopia After Repair of Orbital Floor Fracture? An Institutional Review

Matrixmidface Preformed Orbital Implants for Three-Dimensional Reconstruction of Orbital Floor and Medial Wall Fractures: A Prospective Clinical Study

Study Design

Prospective Interventional study.

Objective

To evaluate the efficiency of Matrixmidface preformed Orbital plates for three-dimensional reconstruction of orbital floor and medial wall fractures.

Methods

This prospective institutional clinical study was conducted on a group of 14 patients who underwent repair of orbital floor and medial wall fracture defects using Matrixmidface Preformed Orbital plates and open reduction and internal fixation of associated fractures. The following parameters were studied preoperative and postoperative enophthalmos, hypoglobus, orbital volume; correction of diplopia, intraoperative and postoperative complications.

Results

All 14 patients were males aged between 19 and 42 years. The most common mode of injury was found to be road traffic accidents (RTAs) followed by self-fall and trauma at workplace. Orbital fractures were associated with other concomitant maxillofacial fractures in 12 patients (85.7%) while 2 patients (14.3%) had pure blowout fractures. Significant improvement of enophthalmos was noted from preoperative period to 1 week, 6 weeks, and 6 months postoperatively (P value .02, .01, and .01, respectively). Out of 11 patients with preoperative hypoglobus, 5 patients (45.45%) had persistent hypoglobus in the immediate postoperative period which reduced to 4 patients (36.36%) at 6 weeks postoperatively (p value .00). The postoperative orbital volume of fractured side ranged from 20.3 cm3 to 26.76 cm3 with a mean of 23.50 cm3 ± 1.74. The mean difference between the volumes of the repaired and uninjured sides was found to be .27 cm3 ± .39 (P value .02) denoting that the reconstruction of the orbit closely approximated that of the uninjured side.

Conclusions

The Matrixmidface Preformed Orbital plate provides exceptional reconstruction of the orbital blowout fracture defects and ensures satisfactory results clinically and radiographically. The plate ensures an approximate recreation of topographical anatomy of the orbit and adequately restores the orbital volume. It provides adequate correction of asymmetry, hypoglobus, enophthalmos and attempts to restore eye movements, without causing any significant postoperative complication.

Orbital floor fractures in Taiwan: A 10-year nationwide population-based study

PURPOSE

To characterize the epidemiology, associated complications, and risk factors of orbital floor fractures in a nationwide longitudinal health insurance database.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Claims data from a million randomly selected registered residents from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database were analyzed between 2001 and 2011 as part of a retrospective cohort review. Patients were identified using the International Classification of Disease-9 diagnosis codes for orbital floor fracture (closed: 802.6; open: 802.7). The cases were categorized as surgical or nonsurgical based on the procedure codes and compared statistically.

RESULTS

From 2001 to 2011, 663 patients were diagnosed with orbital floor fractures out of a total population at risk of 9,836,431 person-years (average incidence: 6.78 persons/100,000/year) with overall increasing incidence. Surgical treatments were performed in 213 (32%) patients. Patients who received surgical treatment were younger than those who did not (mean age 25.3 ± 13.6 years vs. 34.2 ± 18.6 years, P < 0.001). The diagnosis with diplopia was a significantly associated factor for surgical treatment (2.2% in nonsurgery group vs. 6.6% in surgery group, P = 0.007). Male gender (adjusted hazard ratios [aHR] = 2.1, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.79-2.49) and low monthly income (aHR = 1.76, 95% CI: 1.16-2.67) were the risk factors for orbital floor fracture.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of orbital floor fractures increased in the Taiwanese population between 2001 and 2011. Men and low income patients were at increased risk of orbital floor fracture. More research is necessary to clarify what factors are driving the escalating incidence of orbital fractures in this national population.

Incidence of Orbital Side Effects in Zygomaticomaxillary Complex and Isolated Orbital Walls Fractures: A Retrospective Study in South Italy and a Brief Review of the Literature

Zygomaticomaxillary complex and isolated orbital walls fractures are one of the most common fractures of the midface, often presenting orbital symptoms and complications. Our study was born with the aim of understanding the trend in the incidence of orbital presurgical symptoms, specifically diplopia, enophthalmos and exophthalmos, in the Campania Region in southern Italy. We conducted a retrospective, monocentric observational study at the Maxillofacial Surgery Unit of the Federico II University Hospital of Naples, enrolling 402 patients who reported a fracture of the zygomaticomaxillary complex and orbital floor region from 15 June 2021 to 15 June 2022. Patients were evaluated by age, gender, etiology, type of fracture, preoperative orbital side effects and symptoms. Pre-surgical side effects were studied, and 16% of patients (n = 66) developed diplopia. Diplopia was most common in patients previously operated on for orbital wall fractures (100%), and least common in patients who reported trauma after interpersonal violence (15%) and road traffic accidents (11%). Exophthalmos appeared only in 1% (six cases); whereas it did not appear in 99% (396 cases). Enophthalmos was present in 4% (sixteen cases), most commonly in interpersonal violence cases (two cases). The frequency of orbital complications in patients with zygomaticomaxillary complex and isolated orbital walls fractures suggests how diplopia remains the most common pre-surgical orbital side effect.

Management of Orbital Floor Fractures: Our Experience in 10 Years

Purpose

Orbital floor Fractures are the most common fractures involving the facial skeleton and usually occurs after traumatic events. The reconstruction of the orbital floor can be performed with different biocompatible materials. The aim of our retrospective study is to analyze the short- and long-term outcomes of surgically treated patients based on the material used to repair the orbital floor.

Methods

We enrolled 146 patients hospitalized for orbital floor fractures in the Maxillofacial Surgery Unit of the Federico II University of Naples from 1 to 2010 to July 2020. All the fractured orbital floors were reconstructed with non-resorbable (Titanium Mesh, SynPor, SuPor and MedPor implants) or resorbable (collagen membrane, bovinum pericardium membrane, autologous bone graft) materials.

Results

We utilized non-resorbable materials in 56% (82 cases) and resorbable implants in 44% (64 cases). An improvement of the preoperative symptomatology and an aesthetical good outcome was achieved in most cases.

Conclusions

Data obtained supports that both resorbable and non-resorbable materials for orbital floor reconstruction are a safe and effective alternatives and offer satisfactory results in functional and aesthetic evaluations.

Is Surgery Needed for Diplopia after Blowout Fractures? A Clarified Algorithm to Assist Decision-making

Diplopia is a common symptom after blowout fractures, with an incidence of 43.6%–83%. Although there is some consensus toward surgical correction, diplopia is not always resolved by surgery. Thus, there is a clinical dilemma for surgeons with regard to performing surgery at a specific time. This review aimed to create an algorithm to support accurate and effective decision-making.

Early Intervention in Orbital Floor Fractures: Postoperative Ocular Motility and Diplopia Outcomes

Purpose: Orbital floor fractures commonly occur during orbital trauma. Currently, the indications for orbital fracture repair and the appropriate duration between trauma and surgical intervention remain controversial. Methods: Eyes diagnosed with orbital floor fractures that underwent reconstruction surgery were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic data were analyzed. Patients were classified based on the timing of the surgical intervention after injury. Ocular limitation and diplopia were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively at one week, one month, and three months. Results: Two hundred seventy eyes of 270 patients (174 males and 96 females, mean age: 40.9 ± 16.3 years) were identified. The mean duration from injury to surgical intervention was 18.0 ± 21.2 days (range: 0−117 days). In the subgroup analysis, compared to delayed treatment, the early repair of floor fractures, i.e., within 7 days, was associated with significant motility and diplopia resolution at one week (p = 0.001, p < 0.001), one month (p < 0.001, p < 0.001), and three months (p < 0.001, p < 0.001). Sex and the duration from injury to repair were significantly associated with postoperative ocular motility (p = 0.001; p = 0.024) and diplopia (p < 0.001; p = 0.008) at three months. Multivariate analysis revealed that preoperative limitation and diplopia were correlated with postoperative limitation (p = 0.007) and diplopia (p = 0.001), respectively. Conclusions: The duration between orbital floor fracture and surgical treatment was associated with postoperative limitation and diplopia. Our results suggest that earlier intervention in symptomatic patients with orbital trauma may improve postoperative visual function.

Wraparound nylon foil implant for isolated orbital floor fractures

PURPOSE

There are a variety of implant materials available for orbital floor fracture repair. Implant selection is guided by surgeon experience, availability, and patient specific needs. The purpose of this study is to describe a "wraparound" technique for nylon foil implant placement for large, isolated floor fractures that provides excellent results with low incidence of enophthalmos or other complications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective chart review from 2012 to 2020 was conducted in patients who underwent isolated orbital floor fracture repair with the use of the "wraparound" nylon foil implant. The surgical technique is described. Preoperative CT scans were assessed, and the patients were divided into groups based on the size of the floor fracture. Postoperative data was collected including Hertel measurements and complications related to the implant.

RESULTS

There were eighty patients who underwent orbital floor fracture repair with the described technique and had adequate follow-up. There were 18 (22.5%) small-sized fractures, 32 (40%) medium-sized fractures, and 30 (37.5%) large-sized fractures in the study group. One patient (3.33%) in the large fracture group had clinically significant enophthalmos of 2 mm postoperatively. There were no other patients with clinically significant enophthalmos. There were no instances of any complications related to the implant, and no patients required implant removal.

CONCLUSIONS

The "wraparound" technique for a nylon foil implant provides excellent results for isolated orbital floor fractures. It provides more support and stability than traditional nylon implants for larger fractures and has minimal complication rates.

Orbital floor fracture repair with implants: a retrospective study

Background

Although prompt surgery after an orbital fracture is preferable, the actual timing of surgery in real-world settings varies. Therefore, this study investigated the outcomes of implant surgery for inferior orbital wall fractures by comparing three groups according to the time interval between the injury and surgery.

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted of patients’ medical charts and initial computed tomography images from 2009 to 2020. The time to treatment was chosen by patients or their guardians based on the patients’ comorbidities and the physician’s explanation. The patients were divided into three groups according to the time of surgery (group 1: 3–7 days, group 2: 8–14 days, group 3: 15 or more days). Data were collected on age, the time interval until surgery, the dimensions of the defect, the operation time, the follow-up period, and the postoperative paresthesia score (ranging from 0 to 10). The outcomes were evaluated using a 4-point scale: 4= good (no complications), 3 = fair (no subjective symptoms), 2 = poor (remaining paresthesia), and 1 = very poor (strabismus and/or enophthalmos).

Results

The study included 85 patients with unilateral fractures who underwent surgery from 3 to 93 days after injury. The overall score distribution of the surgical outcomes was as follows: good= 63, fair= 7, poor= 6, and very poor= 9. The three groups showed no significant differences in the transverse dimension of the injury (p=0.110) or the anteroposterior dimension (p=0.144). In groups 1, 2, and 3, the postoperative outcome scores were 3.84± 0.37, 3.63± 0.87, and 2.93± 1.33 (p=0.083), and the percentage of patients with good outcomes was 84%, 81.25%, and 57.14%, respectively.

Conclusion

Performing surgery using an artificial implant within 2 weeks of the injury showed better outcomes and fewer postoperative complications than when treatment was delayed.

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

Background:

Treating orbital injuries is interesting and difficult in the facial trauma. The balance in facial proportions and also the facial esthetics are required to achieve an anatomical harmony.

Objective:

To compare the functional results of individual reconstruction of orbital floor using either titanium mesh or Medpor in terms of various factors.

Materials and Methods:

There were two study groups including eight subjects with orbital floor fracture, namely A (Medpor) and B (titanium mesh). Various parameters were analyzed postoperatively at intervals of 1 week, 3 week, 6^th week, and 3 months after the surgery.

Statistical Analysis:

Comparison of the different time points with respect to pain scores in the two study groups by Wilcoxon matched pairs test was done. P value was significant in the study Group A with P = 0.0431* and was insignificant in the study Group B with P = 0.1088.

Results:

All three cases of titanium mesh in orbital floor reconstruction had signs of infection, tenderness, and radiographic proof after 1 week in two subjects and 3 weeks in one patient. Pain was seen in all eight patients 1 week postoperatively.

Conclusion:

Although orbital reconstruction is a technique sensitive procedure both Medpore and Titanium mesh functions.

Orbital floor fractures: epidemiology and outcomes of 1594 reconstructions

Objective

The aim of this study was to retrospectively review the midface and orbital floor fractures treated at our institution with regard to epidemiological aspects, surgical treatment options and postoperative complications and discuss this data with the current literature.

Study design

One thousand five hundred and ninety-four patients with midface and orbital fractures treated at the Department of Oral, Cranio-Maxillofacial and Facial Plastic Surgery of the Goethe University Hospital in Frankfurt (Germany) between 2007 and 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were evaluated by age, gender, etiology, fracture pattern, defect size, surgical treatment and complications.

Results

The average patient age was 46.2 (± 20.8). Most fractures (37.5%) occurred in the age between 16 and 35. Seventy-two percent of patients were male while 28% were female. The most common cause of injury was physical assault (32.0%) followed by falls (30.8%) and traffic accidents (17.0%). The average orbital wall defect size was 297.9 mm² (± 190.8 mm2). For orbital floor reconstruction polydioxanone sheets (0.15 mm 38.3%, 0.25 mm 36.2%, 0.5 mm 2.8%) were mainly used, followed by titanium meshes (11.5%). Reconstructions with the 0.15 mm polydioxanone sheets showed the least complications (p < 0.01, r = 0.15). Eighteen percent of patients who showed persistent symptoms and post-operative complications: 12.9% suffered from persistent hypoesthesia, 4.4% suffered from post-operative diplopia and 3.9% showed intra-orbital hematoma.

Conclusion

Results of the clinical outcome in our patients show that 0.15 mm resorbable polydioxanone sheets leads to significantly less post-operative complications for orbital floor defects even for defects beyond the recommended 200 mm².

Ocular motility and diplopia measurements following orbital floor fracture repair

PURPOSE

Diplopia and ocular motility restriction following orbital fracture repair are common complications. The reported rates in the literature differ greatly, in part due to varying definitions of diplopia and methods of measurement. The purpose of this study is to describe a practical and efficient in-office method for examining ocular motility and diplopia in orbital trauma patients and to report the outcomes in a series of patients who underwent orbital floor fracture repair.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective chart review from 2012 to 2019 was conducted in patients who underwent isolated orbital floor fracture repair within 3 weeks of trauma. All patients had examinations to assess extraocular motility and subjective diplopia using the described techniques.

RESULTS

Ninety-three patients underwent orbital floor fracture repair and had adequate follow-up. Preoperatively, 71 (76%) patients had some restriction in motility and 59 (63%) patients complained of diplopia. Postoperatively, only 1 patient (1.09%) had clinically significant diplopia. Five (5.4%) additional patients demonstrated mild restriction in supraduction upon detailed ophthalmic examination that was not discovered upon subjective history. No patients had worsening of diplopia or motility after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Diplopia and motility restriction following orbital fracture repair can be a persistent problem for some patients. It is important to perform a careful ophthalmic examination to detect motility deficits and diplopia that can be significant to the patient. The true rate of restriction and diplopia may be higher using detailed ophthalmic diagnostic techniques compared to subjective patient history.

Quantifying Eye Alignment in Orbital Fracture Patients: The Digital Hess Screen

Background: Quantifying diplopia to determine management and track outcomes for orbital fracture patients is vital for standardization between visits, physicians, and coordination among the multiple specialties that manage these patients. However, standardization is challenging, as diplopia is often reported subjectively. This study sought to describe the utility of the digital Hess screen in patients with orbital fractures compared with a control group. Materials and Methods: A prospective pilot study was designed in which adult patients who presented with orbital fractures between November 2017 and January 2019 without prior history of orbital pathology were recruited. Subjects underwent digital Hess screen testing, in which they wore anaglyph glasses and aligned targets on a computer screen to quantify static eye alignment. The degree of any eye misalignment was analyzed and compared with controls. Results: Ninety-one patients and 35 controls were enrolled. All participants were able to complete the digital Hess screen. Average cumulative deviation score of orbital fracture patients within 1 month of injury was 0.65°, compared with 0.28° in controls. This was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.01, 95% confidence interval -0.18 to 0.18). Conclusion: The Hess screen has been used to quantify phoria as a correlate of eye alignment and diplopia, but older versions were cumbersome and difficult to analyze. This study is the first to report on using the digital Hess screen to quantify phoria in orbital fracture patients and provides a more concise and standardized means to track clinical and surgical outcomes of eye alignment.

Complications Following Orbital Floor Repair: Impact of Intraoperative Computed Tomography Scan and Implant Material

Importance: Orbital floor fracture repair is complex and postoperative complications are common. A variety of applicable surgical techniques and technologies are available to surgeons, so data about which of these may decrease postoperative complication rates can help better guide clinical decision making. Objectives: To characterize the patient demographics and surgical techniques utilized in orbital floor fracture repairs at San Antonio Military Medical Center and their relationship with rates of postoperative complications. Design, Setting, and Participants: Retrospective chart review of patients who underwent orbital floor fracture repairs from March 2014 to March 2019 with a mean follow-up time of 1.86 months at a tertiary care academic military hospital and level 1 trauma center. Main Outcomes and Measures: Demographic data, indication for surgical repair, fracture severity, orbital floor approach, implant material, and use of intraoperative computed tomography (CT) scan were recorded. Chi-square analysis was performed to determine the relationship between these factors and postoperative diplopia, hypoglobus, enophthalmos, and infection. Results: A total of 124 procedures were performed during the study period: 71.8% of patients were male and 74% were civilian. Mean age was 39 years (range 19-81). Thirty-one patients were lost to follow-up. The most common approach was transconjunctival (83%), which was most frequently used exclusively (68.5%), but was also combined with cantholysis, transcaruncular, or transantral approach. Postoperative diplopia at follow-up was common (53.8%), resolved after an average of 36.3 days, and was significantly associated with surgical indication of entrapment or revision (p = 0.01) and nonutilization of intraoperative CT (p = 0.04). From 2014 to 2016, intraoperative CT was utilized in 21% of cases and revision rate was 10.5%. From 2017 to 2019, 50% of cases utilized intraoperative CT and revision rate was 2% (p = 0.15). Three cases were revisions performed for abnormal plate position noted on postoperative CT scan. Conclusions and Relevance: A statistically significant association was found between postoperative diplopia, surgical indication of entrapment or revision, and nonutilization of intraoperative CT. Revision rates decreased when use of intraoperative CT increased. Three revision cases may have been prevented by use of an intraoperative CT scan. Patients with entrapment should be counseled regarding the increased risk of postoperative diplopia.

Anatomic Factors Predicting Postoperative Strabismus in Orbital Wall Fracture Repair

This study is aimed to determine the relationship between orbital fracture sites in each CT scan view and postoperative diplopia. Data for 141 patients of orbital wall fracture were analyzed retrospectively. One group of examiners reviewed sagittal, coronal and axial CT scans. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to assess each fracture area and its potential relationship with the occurrence of postoperative diplopia. Among the three anatomical views, sagittal sections were significantly associated with post-operative diplopia (PD) (p = 0.044). For orbital wall fractures in a single location, C1 (p = 0.015), A1 (p = 0.004) and S3 (p = 0.006) fractures were significantly related to PD. Orbital wall fractures found in more than one location resulted in a higher probability of PD in all sections:, C1 + C2 group (p = 0.010), C1 + C2 + C3 group (p = 0.005), A1 + A2 group (p = 0.034), A3 + A1 group (p = 0.005), S1 + S2 group (p < 0.001), S2 + S3 group (p = 0.006) and S1 + S2 + S3 group (p < 0.001). For combinations of two or three sections, we found that only fractures involving both coronal and sagittal sections led to a significantly increased risk of PD (p = 0.031). PD is the main posttreatment complication of orbital bone fracture reduction. In addition to the known myogenic cause (failure to relieve entrapment) of diplopia, both trauma and surgical manipulation can compromise ocular motor nerve function and possibly result in the development of neurogenic causes of diplopia. Careful assessment of patient symptoms (whether preoperative diplopia is present), and the location of orbital fractures (and the influence of related musculature, fat, and nerves) on CT scans are strongly related to surgical success.

Clinical outcome after orbital floor fracture reduction with special regard to patient's satisfaction

PURPOSE

Primary reconstruction via transconjunctival approach is a standardized treatment option for orbital floor fractures. The aim of this study was to compare the findings of specific ophthalmologic assessment with the patient's complaints after fracture reduction.

METHODS

A retrospective medical chart analysis was performed on patients who had undergone transconjunctival orbital floor fracture reduction for fracture therapy with resorbable foil (ethisorb sheet or polydioxanone foil). A follow-up assessment including ophthalmological evaluation regarding visual acuity (eye chart projector), binocular visual field screening (Bagolini striated glasses test) and diplopia (cover test, Hess screen test) was conducted. Additionally, a questionnaire was performed to assess patients' satisfaction.

RESULTS

A total of 53 patients with a mean follow-up of 23 months (ranging from 11 to 72) after surgical therapy were included. Diplopia was present preoperatively in 23 (43.4%) and reduced in follow-up examination (n = 12, 22.6%). Limitations in ocular motility reduced from 37.7% to 7.5%. The questionnaire about the patient's satisfaction revealed excellent outcomes in relation to the functional and esthetical parameters.

CONCLUSION

Transconjunctival approach is a safe approach for orbital fracture therapy. Postoperative diplopia is nearly never perceptible for the individual and differs to pathologic findings in the ophthalmic assessment.

Diplopia secondary to orbital fracture in adults

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the incidence and evolution of diplopia as a complication of orbital fractures in adults.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A review was conducted on medical records of all consecutive adults with orbital fracture referred between January 2014 and December 2015. An analysis was made of the incidence of diplopia secondary to fracture in the acute phase and its evolution. A descriptive study was performed on the variables related to patients, fractures, and fracture and diplopia treatment.

RESULTS

The study included 39patients with a mean age of 48years (17-85). Of all the patients, 17 (43.6%) presented with diplopia in the acute phase. Differences were found between the groups with and without diplopia in relation to muscle entrapment diagnosed by orbital computed tomography, duction limitation, and fracture surgery ≤1week (P=.02, P=.00, P=.04, respectively). Out of the 17patients with diplopia, 12 had a mean follow-up of 18weeks (1-72), and in 10 (83.3%) diplopia was resolved in a mean time of 10weeks (1-72). There were spontaneous resolution in 4 (33.3%) patients, and resolution after fracture surgery in 4 (57%) of the 7 that underwent surgery. In 4cases (33.3%) prisms were prescribed, and 2 (16.6%) required strabismus surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Diplopia secondary to orbital fracture in adults is frequent, but it is resolved in most cases spontaneously or after fracture surgery. A few patients will require prisms and/or strabismus surgery.