Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 15, 2026
Three-Dimensional Reconstruction of Orbital Fractures
Published on: May 16, 2025
The mirroring technique: a navigation-based method for reconstructing a symmetrical orbit and cranial vault
Michaël Bruneau1, Frédéric Schoovaerts, Rachid Kamouni
1Departments of Neurosurgery, Hôpital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles ULB, Brussels, Belgium. mbruneau@ulb.ac.be
Background:
The reconstruction of orbital structures and the cranial vault curvature can be challenging after trauma or wide resections for tumors. Sophisticated methods have been developed recently, but these are resource- and time-consuming.
Objective:
We report the mirroring technique, which is an effective and costless application for navigation-guided reconstruction procedures.
Methods:
At the time of the reconstruction, high-resolution images are reloaded while forcing a left-right axial flip. The pointer subsequently enables a virtual 3-dimensional projection of the position of the contralateral normal anatomy.
Results:
This method was applied successfully in 2 cases of en plaque sphenoid wing meningiomas with secondary exophthalmia.
Conclusion:
The mirroring technique represents an accurate method of outlining the contralateral normal anatomy onto the pathological side based on navigation guidance.
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