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

Abstract

Importance: Orbital 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.

Objective: Application of locally available 3D printing service in perioperative planning of orbital floor reconstruction with porous polyethylene.

Design: We 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.

Participants: Both 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.

Results: With 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 relevance: Application 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.