Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 24, 2026
Three-Dimensional Reconstruction of Orbital Fractures
Published on: May 16, 2025
Medial orbital wall reconstruction with flexible Ethisorb patches
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 54, 20246 Hamburg, Germany. ppohlenz@uke.de
Objectives:
The aim of this study was to analyse the long-term result after reconstruction of the medial orbital wall with a flexible, biodegradable material (Ethisorb).
Materials And Methods:
During a period of almost 8 years, 31 patients with a medial orbital wall fracture were analysed retrospectively. Inclusion criteria were patients with a maximum size fracture of the orbital medial wall measuring 1.5-2 cm(2). Exophthalmos, enophthalmos, bulbus motility, diplopia and skin sensation were investigated over a period of 6 months. In all patients, the medial orbital wall was reconstructed with Ethisorb patches.
Results:
No significant intraoperative complications were detected. No postoperative infection, abscess or seroma was found in any of the patients receiving an Ethisorb patch.
Conclusions:
The advantage of the semiflexibility of the Ethisorb patch is that it supplies an anatomically correct fit to the orbital medial wall but does not require fixation by screws or the use of sutures.
Clinical Relevance:
The low rate of reported bulbus motility disturbance, diplopia, exophthalmos and enophthalmos demonstrates acceptable results after medial orbital wall reconstruction using the Ethisorb patch.
