Primary orbital reconstruction with selective laser melted core patient-specific implants: overview of 100 patients

Contemporary advances in technology have enabled the transfer of industrial laser melting technology to surgery, and its use can improve the accuracy of orbital restoration. The aim of this study therefore was to evaluate the accuracy of primary orbital reconstruction with the use of selective laser melted, patient-specific implants and navigation. A total of 100 patients with complex orbital fractures were included. Planned orbital volumes were compared with those achieved, and angles were compared with the unaffected side. Analysis included the overlay of postoperative on planned images (iPlan® 3.0.5, Brainlab). The mean (SD) orbital volume of the unaffected side was 27.2 (2.8) ml in men and 25.0 (2.6) ml in women. Fractures that involved the posterior third of the orbital floor and comminuted fractures showed significant orbital enlargement (p = 0.026). The mean (SD) reconstructed orbital volume was 26.9 (2.7) ml in men and 24.26 (2.5) ml in women. Three-dimensional analysis of the colour mapping showed minor deviations when compared with the unaffected side. The results suggest that a high degree of accuracy can be routinely achieved in these complex cases.