[Post-traumatic orbital reconstruction comparing preformed versus non preformed titanium mesh plates]

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Orbital reconstruction is crucial for restoring function and aesthetics after trauma or surgery.
• Titanium mesh plates are commonly used, but comparisons between preformed and non-preshaped options are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the clinical and radiological accuracy of non-preshaped mesh plates (NPMP) versus three-dimensionally preformed mesh plates (PMP) for orbital reconstruction.
• To evaluate the reliability of each titanium mesh plate type in restoring orbital volume.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study involving 30 patients, with 15 treated using NPMP and 15 using PMP.
• Orbital volumes were calculated from CT scans using OsiriX software, comparing reconstructed and healthy sides.
• Key parameters included sex, age, fracture patterns, and complications like diplopia and enophthalmia.

Main Results:

• No statistically significant difference in orbital volume between reconstructed and contralateral healthy orbits for either NPMP (p=0.991) or PMP (p=0.200) groups.
• Mean orbital volumes of reconstructed orbits were comparable between NPMP (21.76 cm³) and PMP (20.28 cm³) groups (p=0.441).

Conclusions:

• Both non-preshaped and three-dimensionally preformed titanium mesh plates yield comparable results in orbital volume reconstruction.
• The choice between NPMP and PMP may not significantly impact volumetric accuracy in orbital reconstructions based on this study.