Orbital Fracture Repair

PSI: Planner-specific, physician-specific, or patient-specific implant for orbital reconstruction?

This study aimed to identify and quantify the variations in PSI designs intended for an identical patient. Records from 10 patients with an orbital fracture involving two walls, for which a primary orbital reconstruction was indicated, were retrospectively included. Clinical engineers from two centers independently generated proposal designs for all patients. Following web meeting(s) with the surgeon from the same institute, the PSI designs were finalized by the engineer. A cross-over of the engineer with the surgeon of the other center created two new design teams. In total, 20 proposal and 40 final PSI designs were produced. A three-dimensional comparison between different PSI designs for the same patient was performed by computing a difference score. Initially, the design proposals of the two engineers showed a median difference score of 37%, which was significantly reduced to a median difference score of 26% for the final designs with different engineers. The median difference score of 22% between surgeons demonstrated that both parties introduced notable user variations to the final designs. Evidence supporting the advantages of an experienced design team was found, with significantly fewer modifications, fewer meetings, and less time required to complete the design (up to 40% time reduction). The findings of the study underline the dependency of PSI design on the surgeon and engineer, and support the need for a more evidence-based protocol for PSI design.

A recent algorithm for management of orbital floor fractures with the application of a novel minimally invasive endoscopic surgery

Orbital floor (OF) fractures present a dilemma, with controversies surrounding surgical indication, approach, and ideal material for reconstruction. Our study was conducted on cases of (OF) fracture admitted to a tertiary referral centre. Cases of (OF) associated with zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) fracture were managed as follows: those with ophthalmological problems were subjected to endoscopically assisted transorbital reconstruction of the floor; cases without ophthalmological problems were subjected to reduction and fixation of the ZMC fracture only. The recently developed endoscopic endonasal transmaxillary approach was used to manage cases with pure OF fracture, while the same approach with added endoscopic transethmoidal reconstruction of the medial orbital wall (MOW) was applied to cases with associated MOW fracture. Outcome measurements were the correction of diplopia and enophthalmos, along with the restoration of normal globe function. The study included 80 patients, who were divided into four groups according to the proposed algorithm. OF reconstruction was performed in 32 cases with either septal cartilage (n = 4), titanium plate (n = 11), or porous polyethylene mesh (n = 17). Our study presents the novel role of minimally invasive endoscopic surgery in the management of (OF) fracture, together with a recently developed management plan that could maximize positive outcomes and decrease morbidity.

Preseptal transconjunctival approach in orbital floor fracture repairs to prevent postoperative lower eyelid malposition

PURPOSE

Lower eyelid malposition can be a complication following orbital floor fracture surgeries. We present our incidence of lower eyelid malposition from a large case series of orbital floor fracture repairs using the 'swinging eyelid' approach and 'hang back' technique.

METHODS

A retrospective review of all orbital fracture surgeries at our institution from November 2011 to March 2021 was performed. Primary outcomes included the incidence of lower eyelid malposition by category, the average time to presentation after primary surgery, and reoperation rates among cases with lower eyelid complications.

RESULTS

A total of 438 cases that involved repair of the fractured orbital floor were identified. Six patients (1.37 %) developed lower eyelid malposition following primary orbital floor repair. Two patients (0.46 %) developed reverse ptosis of the lower eyelid. Two patients (0.46 %) returned with lower lid cicatricial ectropion. One patient (0.23 %) had postoperative lower eyelid retraction. One patient (0.23 %) had postoperative lower eyelid cicatricial entropion. No cases of lower lid flattening, lower eyelid fat flattening, or eyelid notch was noted. All patients with lower eyelid malposition underwent additional surgeries except one patient with reverse ptosis (83.3 %). The average time to the presentation of postoperative complications from the surgery date was 292.8 days (range = 49 days to 3.5 years).

CONCLUSION

Lower eyelid malposition after orbital floor repair is a known complication that can be decreased by employing the 'swinging eyelid' with a preseptal approach and closure by the 'hang back' technique.

Current Guidelines and Opinions in the Management of Orbital Floor Fractures

Orbital floor fractures are a common manifestation of facial trauma that is encountered by ophthalmology, otolaryngology, and oral maxillofacial specialists. Surgical intervention is required emergently in cases of tissue entrapment and less urgently in cases of presenting with persistent diplopia, enophthalmos greater than 2 mm, and/or fractures involving greater than 50% of the orbital floor. Surgical management is a debated topic with differing opinions among surgeons regarding timing of repair, type of implant, and surgical approach.

Automatic orbital segmentation using deep learning-based 2D U-net and accuracy evaluation: A retrospective study

The purpose of this study was to verify whether the accuracy of automatic segmentation (AS) of computed tomography (CT) images of fractured orbits using deep learning (DL) is sufficient for clinical application. In the surgery of orbital fractures, many methods have been reported to create a 3D anatomical model for use as a reference. However, because the orbit bone is thin and complex, creating a segmentation model for 3D printing is complicated and time-consuming. Here, the training of DL was performed using U-Net as the DL model, and the AS output was validated with Dice coefficients and average symmetry surface distance (ASSD). In addition, the AS output was 3D printed and evaluated for accuracy by four surgeons, each with over 15 years of clinical experience. One hundred twenty-five CT images were prepared, and manual orbital segmentation was performed in all cases. Ten orbital fracture cases were randomly selected as validation data, and the remaining 115 were set as training data. AS was successful in all cases, with good accuracy: Dice, 0.860 ± 0.033 (mean ± SD); ASSD, 0.713 ± 0.212 mm. In evaluating AS accuracy, the expert surgeons generally considered that it could be used for surgical support without further modification. The orbital AS algorithm developed using DL in this study is extremely accurate and can create 3D models rapidly at low cost, potentially enabling safer and more accurate surgeries.

Management of Mid-Facial Fracture Complicated by Pseudoaneurysm of Posterior Superior Alveolar Artery

Facial fractures, particularly mid-facial fractures, can result in various complications, such as functional and esthetic problems. Prompt reconstruction of the fractured bones is crucial for restoring normal anatomy and function and preventing complications. However, such procedures can be complex and carry the risk of potential complications. The authors report the case of a 27-year-old man who underwent open reduction and internal fixation of the left zygomatic complex fracture and reconstruction of the left inferior orbital wall. During the surgery, heavy bleeding from the posterior superior alveolar artery due to a broken bone near the pterygomaxillary region caused a prolonged surgery time and the development of a pseudoaneurysm. The pseudoaneurysm was eventually treated with superselective transcatheter embolization using 25% N-Butyl cyanoacrylate glue. This case highlights the challenges in the management of mid-facial fractures and the potential complications that can arise during surgery, particularly when dealing with the pterygomaxillary region.

Evidence-Based Medicine for Midface/Orbit/Upper Facial Fracture Repair

The face is one of the most common areas of traumatic injury, making up approximately 25% of all injuries in 2016. Assault, motor vehicle collision (MVC), fall, sports, occupational, and gunshot wounds (GSW) are all common causes of facial fractures, with MVC and GSW leading to significantly higher severity of injuries. Most facial fractures occur in the upper two-thirds of the face. Most facial fractures require timely assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for optimal restoration of facial structures and functions. Without proper initial management, significant complications including immediate complications such as airway compromise, massive bleeding, infection, intracranial hemorrhages, or even death, and long-term complications such as poor functional outcomes and aesthetic setbacks can occur. The goal of this review is to summarize the management of fractures of the upper face, orbit, and midface and provide an update about complications and their management.

Two-Dimensional Post-Traumatic Measurements of Orbital Floor Blowout Fractures Underestimate Defect Sizes Compared to Three-Dimensional Approaches

Orbital floor fractures represent a common fracture type of the midface and are standardly diagnosed clinically as well as radiologically using linear measurement methods. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of diagnostic measurements of isolated orbital floor fractures based on two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) measurement techniques. A cohort of 177 patients was retrospectively and multi-centrically evaluated after surgical treatment of an orbital floor fracture between 2010 and 2020. In addition to 2D and 3D measurements of the fracture area, further fracture-related parameters were investigated. Calculated fracture areas using the 2D measurement technique revealed an average area of 287.59 mm², whereas the 3D measurement showed fracture areas with a significantly larger average value of 374.16 mm² (p < 0.001). On average, the 3D measurements were 1.53-fold larger compared to the 2D measurements. This was observed in 145 patients, whereas only 32 patients showed smaller values in the 3D-based approach. However, the process duration of the 3D measurement took approximately twice as long as the 2D-based procedure. Nonetheless, 3D-based measurement of orbital floor defects provides a more accurate estimation of the fracture area than the 2D-based procedure and can be helpful in determining the indication and planning the surgical procedure.

Surgical repair of large orbital floor and medial wall fractures with destruction of the inferomedial strut: Initial experience with a combined endoscopy navigation technique

The application of navigation and endoscope is an area of intense interest in the surgical repair of orbital fractures. This study explored the advantages of a combined endoscopy navigation technique (ENT) for repairing large orbital floor and medial wall fractures (OFMWFs) with destruction of the inferomedial strut (IMS). Fifty-two consecutive patients with large OFMWFs with the destruction of the IMS underwent ENT-assisted surgical repair from January 2013 to February 2016. Patient demographics, causes of injury, clinical features, imaging data, and follow-up information (diplopia, ocular dysmotility, enophthalmos, infraorbital hypoesthesia, and other conditions) were collected and analyzed. Orbital volumes and implant positions were also evaluated. The median follow-up duration was 21 (range, 16-29) months. At the end of the follow-up visits, orbital reconstruction was demonstrated by orbital computed tomography. Of the 30 patients with diplopia within the 30-degree visual field of gaze, 27 (90%) reached diplopia remission. Of 40 patients, 34 (85%) achieved complete elimination of ocular dysmotility. Of 47 patients with enophthalmos of >2 mm, 43 (91%) acquired good symmetry with a mean improvement of 3.00 ± 1.00 mm. Of 33 patients, 27 (82%) recovered from infraorbital hypoesthesia. The postoperative orbital volumes of the two sides showed no significant differences (p = 0.087, paired t-test). Early surgical repair showed better outcomes of diplopia, ocular motility, and enophthalmos than late repair (p = 0.001, p = 0.007, and p = 0.000, generalized estimated equations). No patient developed surgery-related complications of visual acuity compromise, strabismus, ectropion, entropion, or lacrimal canaliculus injuries. ENT-assisted surgery appears to be safe, precise, and effective for the repair of large OFMWFs with destruction of the IMS.

Virtual Planning and 3D Printing in the Management of Acute Orbital Fractures and Post-Traumatic Deformities

Virtual surgical planning (VSP) and three-dimensional (3D) printing have advanced surgical reconstruction of orbital defects. Individualized 3D models of patients' orbital bony and soft tissues provide the surgeon with corrected orbital volume based on normalized anatomy, precise location of critical structures, and when needed a better visualization of the defect or altered anatomy that are paramount in preoperative planning. The use of 3D models preoperatively allows surgeons to improve the accuracy and safety of reconstruction, reduces intraoperative time, and most importantly lowers the rate of common postoperative complications, including over- or undercontouring of plates, orbital implant malposition, enophthalmos, and hypoglobus. As 3D printers and materials become more accessible and cheaper, the utility of printing patient-specific implants becomes more feasible. This article summarizes the traditional surgical management of orbital fractures and reviews advances in VSP and 3D printing in this field. It also discusses the use of in-house (point-of-care) VSP and 3D printing to further advance care of acute orbital trauma and posttraumatic deformities.

Personalized Medicine Workflow in Post-Traumatic Orbital Reconstruction

Restoration of the orbit is the first and most predictable step in the surgical treatment of orbital fractures. Orbital reconstruction is keyhole surgery performed in a confined space. A technology-supported workflow called computer-assisted surgery (CAS) has become the standard for complex orbital traumatology in many hospitals. CAS technology has catalyzed the incorporation of personalized medicine in orbital reconstruction. The complete workflow consists of diagnostics, planning, surgery and evaluation. Advanced diagnostics and virtual surgical planning are techniques utilized in the preoperative phase to optimally prepare for surgery and adapt the treatment to the patient. Further personalization of the treatment is possible if reconstruction is performed with a patient-specific implant and several design options are available to tailor the implant to individual needs. Intraoperatively, visual appraisal is used to assess the obtained implant position. Surgical navigation, intraoperative imaging, and specific PSI design options are able to enhance feedback in the CAS workflow. Evaluation of the surgical result can be performed both qualitatively and quantitatively. Throughout the entire workflow, the concepts of CAS and personalized medicine are intertwined. A combination of the techniques may be applied in order to achieve the most optimal clinical outcome. The goal of this article is to provide a complete overview of the workflow for post-traumatic orbital reconstruction, with an in-depth description of the available personalization and CAS options.

Orbital Apex Syndrome and Central Retinal Vein Occlusion after Blow-out Fracture Repair

Purpose: To report a case of orbital apex syndrome and central retinal vein occlusion after blow-out fracture repair.Case summary: A 22-year-old man who underwent emergency re-operation in a department of plastic surgery due to pain, decreased visual acuity, and ophthalmoplegia in all direction after orbital blow-out fracture repair was referred to ophthalmologist on postoperative day 2 and there was no improvement in symptoms. He showed severe complications, including optic neuropathy and ophthalmoplegia in all direction, central retinal vein occlusion, and outer retinal disruption caused by orbital apex hemorrhage. Although we were concerned that it was too late, we started high dose steroid intravenous pulse treatment and the visual acuity, ophthalmoplegia, and retinal findings were improved. However, the optic atrophy and visual field defect did not.Conclusions: After a complicated blow-out fracture repair in other department, if a patient shows severely decreased visual acuity or ocular movement limitation, a thorough and immediate ophthalmologic examination is recommended. During ophthalmologic examination, meticulous examination of the entire eye, including the retina, is required, in addition to general orbital complications. A relatively good prognosis can be expected through accurate cause analysis and appropriate treatment for the confirmed abnormal findings.

Biocompatible Materials for Orbital Wall Reconstruction-An Overview

The reconstruction of an orbit after complex craniofacial fractures can be extremely demanding. For satisfactory functional and aesthetic results, it is necessary to restore the orbital walls and the craniofacial skeleton using various types of materials. The reconstruction materials can be divided into autografts (bone or cartilage tissue) or allografts (metals, ceramics, or plastic materials, and combinations of these materials). Over time, different types of materials have been used, considering characteristics such as their stability, biocompatibility, cost, safety, and intraoperative flexibility. Although the ideal material for orbital reconstruction could not be unanimously identified, much progress has been achieved in recent years. In this article, we summarise the advantages and disadvantages of each category of reconstruction materials. We also provide an update on improvements in material properties through various modern processing techniques. Good results in reconstructive surgery of the orbit require both material and technological innovations.

Isolated pure orbital blowout fracture - A rare case report

Rationale:

An orbital fracture is said to be a pure blowout when it affects only one internal orbital wall and does not compromise the orbital rim. Pure blowout fracture of the orbital floor without any other associated facial bone fracture is uncommon.

Patient Concerns:

The patient with a history of assault presented with complaints of blurring of vision and diplopia.

Diagnosis:

Computed tomography of paranasal sinus scans and ophthalmologic examination confirmed the right orbital floor fracture.

Treatment:

Herniated orbital contents were retrieved and the orbital floor was reconstructed with titanium mesh under general anaesthesia.

Outcomes:

The patient was followed up regularly for six months and showed no signs of any visual disturbances.

Take-away Lessons:

Although orbital floor fractures are commonly associated with zygomaticomaxillary complex and midface fractures, it is uncommon as an isolated finding in facial trauma. It can be easily misdiagnosed and left untreated, which can give rise to future complications.

Mixed reality in the reconstruction of orbital floor: An experimental and clinical evaluative study

Introduction:

Materials and Methods:

Results:

Discussion:

Approach to Orbital Fractures After Athletic Injuries

The bony orbit is commonly involved in athletic injuries. Evaluation should include a comprehensive history and ocular examination. Computed tomography imaging is the gold standard for diagnostic testing. Urgent surgical intervention for orbital floor fractures should occur after "white eye" trapdoor fractures or if oculocardiac response occurs. Most orbital fractures do not require urgent intervention and repair can be completed within 2 weeks of injury. There are many approaches to repair orbital fractures, and consideration of techniques depends on the unique fracture pattern. Intraoperative computed tomography has become frequently used and can lead to increased identification of plate malpositioning intraoperatively.

Technical Note on Three- and Four-Wall Orbital Reconstructions with Patient-Specific Implants

ABSTRACT

Orbital reconstruction is one of the most complex procedures in maxillofacial surgery. It becomes even more complex when all references to the original anatomy are lost. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of techniques for complex three- and four-wall orbital reconstructions. Preoperative virtual surgical planning is essential when considering different reconstruction possibilities. The considerations that may lead to different approaches are described, and the advantages and drawbacks of each technique are evaluated. It is recommended to reconstruct solitary three-wall or four-wall orbital defects with multiple patient-specific implants. Optimizations of this treatment protocol are suggested, and their effects on predictability are demonstrated in a case presentation of a four-wall defect reconstruction with multiple patient-specific implants.

Utility of Ocular Motility Tests in Orbital Floor Fractures with Muscle Entrapment That is Not Detected on Computed Tomography

Purpose

Determine the usefulness of ocular motility testing to detect the presence of muscle entrapment.

Materials and Methods

Cross-sectional study of patients with symptoms of diplopia secondary to facial trauma. Inclusion criteria: age between 20 and 80 years; symptoms of diplopia following facial trauma; presence of orbital floor fracture confirmed radiologically; presence of muscle entrapment confirmed at the time of surgery; best-corrected visual acuity of 0.6 or more. Exclusion criteria: muscle entrapment visible on computed tomography; candidate for immediate surgical correction; prior history of strabismus surgery. Outcome measures: Abnormal Head Position (AHP), Hirschberg Corneal Reflexes (CR), Cover/Uncover and Alternating Cover Test, Hertel exophthalmometry, Near Point of Convergence (NPC), Kestenbaum Limbus test, Red Filter test, and Hess screen test.

Results

Forty-six subjects (38 males, 8 females, mean age 27 ± 3.3 SD years). Pre-operative assessment: forty-six (100%) reported diplopia on the Red Filter test and showed some degree of abnormality on the Hess Screen test. Forty-two (91%) showed AHP. Forty-one (89%) had exophthalmometry values that differed 2 mm or more between the two eyes and insufficient NPC. Thirty-two (69.6%) showed deficits of 3 mm or more on the Kestenbaum Limbus test. Sixteen (35%) had abnormal Hirschberg corneal reflexes. Eleven (24%) demonstrated constant or intermittent strabismus.

Conclusion

Ocular motility testing can differentiate non-invasively, pre-operatively, and cost-effectively the presence of muscle entrapment even when this is not visible on computed tomography.

Entrapment of the inferior oblique and inferior rectus muscles in orbital trapdoor fracture

A 10-year-old male presented to our institution 6 days after sustaining trauma to his right eye from a fall. A thorough physical examination could not be done due to severe eye pain and inability to open the eyelids; however, computed tomographic imaging done at this time showed a trapdoor fracture with incarceration of the inferior oblique and inferior rectus muscles. The fracture was reduced through a transconjunctival incision and secured with a polytetrafluoroethylene implant. Three months after the surgery, extraocular motility is almost full and equal.

Radiological assessment of facial fractures: a comparative study between surgeon and radiologist

BACKGROUND

The authors aimed to examine the differences in CT facial bone interpretation by the faciomaxillary surgeon and the radiologist, in order to improve communication gaps and subsequently, the quality and consistency of patient care.

METHODS

This study was conducted at a level I tertiary trauma centre. Patients with facial trauma who were referred to the faciomaxillary unit following a facial CT examination from August 2017 to September 2018 were eligible for inclusion. The inclusion period was extended to 5 years for panfacial trauma patients. All consecutive patients that fulfilled the study inclusion criteria for each type of injury were included in the study (a total of 120 patients assigned to the following six categories: orbits, skull and skull base, zygomaticomaxillary complex, Le Fort pattern, mandible and pan-facial fractures). Faciomaxillary surgeons, blinded to the radiology report, were asked to provide a verbal description of the fractures. The surgical interpretation was compared to the radiology report and further analysed.

RESULTS

Of the 120 cases, the same fractures were reported in 43 cases (35.8%). Both types of specialists noted the predominant and clinically relevant fractures in 106 cases (88.3%). The reports did not match in 14 cases (11.7%) and different terminology was used in 76 cases (63.3%), with agreement in 25% (95% CI: 18-34%), partial agreement in 11.7% (95% CI: 5.9-17.4%) and no agreement in 63.3% (95% CI: 54.7-72.0%) cases.

CONCLUSION

Radiologists and faciomaxillary surgeons frequently differ in their assessment of facial fractures.

Repair of unilateral combined orbital floor and medial wall fracture using two titanium mesh plates: a modified technique

Background

Compared to isolated orbital wall fracture, combined orbital floor and medial wall fractures are more likely to be required surgical correction due to a higher possibility of complications. However, it remains a challenge to repair concomitant orbital fracture using a one-piece implant due to the complex anatomic structures of the orbit. Aiming to reduce surgical difficulties and enhance therapeutic effects, we repaired unilateral combined orbital floor and medial wall fractures using two separated modified titanium mesh plates in this study.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted on 21 consecutive patients who presented with unilateral combined orbital floor and medial wall fractures in Tianjin Medical University General Hospital between November 2010 and January 2016. The orbital fractures were repaired with two separated titanium mesh plates. The corner at the transition zone area between the orbital floor and the medial wall was reconstructed simultaneously through a combined transcaruncular and inferior subciliary approach with lateral canthotomy. The pre- and post-operative functions and aesthetic results were evaluated.

Results

Preoperatively, all patients presented with 3.5-6.5 mm enophthalmos, five patients presented with diplopia with ocular motility limitation in injured eyes, and six patients presented with hypoglobus ranging from 1.5 to 3.5 mm. Orbital floor and medial wall fractures of all patients were successfully repaired with two separated titanium mesh plates. Postoperatively, enophthalmos was improved in all patients, which was less than 2 mm on the last follow-up day. Hypoglobus was disappeared in all six patients postoperatively. Diplopia was resolved in five patients within 3 months post operation, and was reduced in one patient.

Conclusions

In cases of unilateral concomitant orbital floor and medial wall fractures, two titanium mesh plates implantation is a safe and effective procedure. It is worthwhile to take the technique into account when the key points to consider when applying this method include reconstruction of the special orbital shape and the complete return reposition of prolapsed intraorbital soft tissues were intended.

Theoretical model of pediatric orbital trapdoor fractures and provisional personalized 3D printing-assisted surgical solution

Pediatric orbital trapdoor fractures are common in children and adolescents and usually require emergency surgical intervention. Herein, a personalized 3D printing-assisted approach to surgical treatment is proposed, serving to accurately and effectively repair pediatric orbital trapdoor fractures. We first investigated stress distribution in external force-induced orbital blowout fractures via numerical simulation, determining that maximum stresses on inferior and medial walls exceed those on superior and lateral walls and thus confer higher probability of fracture. We also examined 36 pediatric patients treated for orbital trapdoor fractures between 2014 and 2019 to verify our theoretical construct. Using 3D printing technique, we then created orbital models based on computed tomography (CT) studies of these patients. Absorbable implants were tailor-made, replicating those of 3D-printed models during surgical repairs of fractured orbital bones. As follow-up, we compared CT images and clinical parameters (extraocular movements, diplopia, enophthalmos) before and 12 months after operative procedures. There were only two patients with diplopia and six with enophthalmos >2 mm at 12 months, attesting to the efficacy of our novel 3D printing-assisted strategy.

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Numerical simulation is used to theoretically investigate the mechanism of external force-induced orbital blowout fractures.

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3D printing--assisted surgical treatment is proposed to effectively repair pediatric orbital trapdoor fractures.

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Clinical studies are performed by repairing fractured orbital bones via 3D printed customized absorbable implants.

Three-Dimensional Diagnosis in Orbital Reconstructive Surgery

Introduction

Orbital floor fractures are common among mid-face fractures. The general aim of treatment is to restore orbital volume and anatomy with grafts or reconstructive materials. Malpositioning of the implants and inadequate volume restorations are common complications of these procedures. The aim of our study is to present the surgical outcomes of orbital reconstruction aided by our algorithm of patient-specific virtual planning.

Materials and Methods

The current study was performed on 77 patients with orbital wall fractures who were categorized into two groups: Group A - 42 patients (virtual planning) and Group B - 35 patients (traditional approach). Criteria of analysis included the presence of diplopia postoperatively and duration of surgical procedures.

Results

Diplopia was recorded right after surgery in 16 cases (38.1%) of Group A and in 12 cases (34.3%) of Group B. However, 6 months postreconstruction, residual diplopia was recorded in 4 cases (9.5%) of Group A and in 12 cases (34.3%) of Group B. Mean operation time in Group A for the patients with isolated zygoma fracture was 2.23 h; for isolated orbital wall fracture was 1.98 h; and for combined zygoma, orbital wall, and facial bone fracture was 3.07 h. In Group B, these indexes were 3.47, 2.05, and 3.31 h, respectively.

Conclusions

Application of virtual planning could significantly improve postoperative outcomes in orbital reconstruction. However, application of this technology could be limited by complicated defects of the orbital walls, which would require complex shape of the implant that might be difficult to be prevent virtually.

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.

Changes in Lower Eyelid Position and Shape After Inferior Orbital Wall Reconstruction

PURPOSE

To use morphological measurements to analyze changes in the position and shape of the lower eyelid after inferior orbital wall reconstruction.

METHODS

This study included 47 eyes from 47 patients with blowout fractures. Digital photographs were taken in primary gaze immediately before and after surgery; the degree of enophthalmos was recorded. Several eyelid parameters were measured, including marginal reflex distance 1 (MRD1), MRD2, lower eyelid length (LEL), lower medial palpebral fissure area, lower central palpebral fissure area (LCA), and lower lateral palpebral fissure area.

RESULTS

The exophthalmometry values (P < 0.001), MRD2 (P < 0.001), LEL (P < 0.001), LCA (P = 0.022), and lower lateral palpebral fissure area (P = 0.038) on the injured side before surgery were significantly smaller than those on the contralateral, uninjured side. Following surgery, the MRD2 increased from 5.01 ± 0.65 mm to 5.60 ± 0.78 mm (P < 0.001), LEL from 25.62 ± 2.11 mm to 26.64 ± 2.29 mm (P < 0.001), lower medial palpebral fissure area from 7.10 ± 3.97 mm to 10.37 ± 3.40 mm (P < 0.001), and LCA from 20.28 ± 4.79 mm to 21.25 ± 5.14 mm (P = 0.008). Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that changes in the MRD2 (P = 0.019) and LCA (P = 0.048) were associated with enophthalmos improvement.

CONCLUSION

The central and medial portions of the lower eyelid are retracted after inferior orbital reconstruction in patients with blowout fractures. The amount of central retraction on the lower eyelid is associated with the amount of enophthalmos improvement.

Blood Collection within the Maxillary Sinus following Orbital Fracture Repair: The Impact of Mesh Implants and Drains

This article aimed to assess the effects of (1) mesh (e.g., uncoated anatomic titanium plates) versus non-mesh (e.g., porous polyethylene-coated titanium sheets) implant materials and (2) drain placement on the accumulation of blood within the maxillary sinus following surgical repair of orbital floor fractures. Ninety-two patients who received orbital floor fracture repair between 2008 and 2014 were selected, with equal case numbers between categories: (1) non-mesh implant, without drain; (2) non-mesh implant, with drain; (3) mesh implant, without drain; and (4) mesh implant, with drain. Lesion-mapping software was used to measure blood and sinus volumes in postoperative computed tomographic images. Average postoperative maxillary sinus filling was 49% ± 29%. Average sinus filling was similar between mesh and non-mesh implant materials; this was true in cases with a drain (45 vs. 40%, respectively) and without (57 vs. 52%, respectively). Orbital drain placement was associated with a significant reduction ( p  = 0.048) in maxillary sinus filling of 12%. Mesh and non-mesh implant materials allow for similar drainage of orbital blood into the maxillary sinus postoperatively. In the majority of cases, space is available within the maxillary sinus to allow for drainage of orbital blood. Intraoperative drain placement is associated with reduced blood pooling within the maxillary sinus, suggesting it allows for drainage of orbital blood to the outside world.

Utility of Endoscope-Assisted Orbital Fracture Repair for Atraumatic Reduction of Entrapped Muscle Tissue and Surgical Education

Trapdoor fractures can result in extraocular muscle entrapment with resultant pain, diplopia, bradycardia, nausea, and vomiting. Urgent repair is required to minimize the risk of permanent muscle injury and long-term diplopia. Complete fracture visualization is imperative to ensure adequate reduction of the herniated tissue and accurate implant placement when necessary. Orbital floor angulation and prolapsed orbital fat can make visualization of the posterior orbit challenging. Inadequate reduction can lead to reoperation in up to 18% of cases. Because the narrow field of view makes visualization difficult, teaching the surgical technique can be very challenging. We demonstrate the reduction of an entrapped inferior rectus muscle using an endoscope-assisted transconjunctival approach, highlighting its advantages in fracture visualization and surgical training.

Orbital Trauma

The orbit is contained within a complex bony architecture with overlying soft tissue that involves many important anatomical structures. Orbital trauma is a frequent cause of damage to these structures. The authors review the literature on reconstructive techniques focusing on fractures of the orbital rim, orbital roof, orbital floor, medial orbital wall, and naso-orbito-ethmoid complex. A thorough literature review was conducted using PubMed analyzing articles relevant to the subject matter. Various search terms were used to identify articles regarding orbital trauma presentation, diagnosis, management, as well as postoperative complications. Articles were examined by all authors and pertinent information was gleaned for the purpose of generating this review. Orbital trauma can result in a wide variety of complications in form and function. Not all orbital fractures require operative repair. However, bony disruption can cause enophthalmos, hypophthalmos, telecanthus, epiphora, cerebrospinal fluid leaks, orbital hematoma, and even blindness to name a few. Timing of operative repair as well as reconstructive method is dictated by the patient's individual presentation. Successful fracture management requires a detailed understanding of the anatomy and pathophysiology to ensure restoration of the patients' preoperative state. Orbital trauma encompasses a wide variety of mechanisms of injury and resulting fracture patterns. A variety of surgical approaches to the orbit exist as has been discussed allowing the surgeon access to all area of interest. Regardless of the fracture complexity, the principles of atraumatic technique, anatomic reduction, and stable fixation apply in all cases.

Previously undescribed palpebral branch from the infraorbital canal: Application to surgery of the eyelid and treatment of orbital floor fractures

The sensory innervation of the inferior eyelid is mainly derived from the inferior palpebral branch (IPb) of the infraorbital nerve (ION). This study aimed to investigate another, to our knowledge, previously unknown branch, and elucidate its location and distribution. Twelve sides from seven fresh frozen cadaveric Caucasian heads were used in this study. The specimens were derived from two male and four female adult cadavers age. The diameter of the IPb of the ION (D1) and branch arising from the upper wall of the infraorbital canal (D2), and distance between the branching points of this branch and the anterior border of the orbit floor (L1) was measured. A branch to the lower eyelid was found arising from the infraorbital canal on the majority of sides. D1 ranged from 0.4 to 1.1 mm. The branch arising from the upper wall of the infraorbital canal was found 10 sides (83%). D2 ranged 0.6 to 1.0 mm. L1 ranged from 10.2 to 19.8 mm. All of the branches arising from the upper wall of the infraorbital canal (10 sides) primarily innervated to the inferior eyelid. We suggest this branch should be named the "posterior IPb" of the ION. Knowledge of this branch might decrease sensory loss following invasive procedures of the lower orbit. Clin. Anat. 30:835-838, 2017. © 2017Wiley Periodicals, Inc.