Treatment of orbital blowout fracture using porous polyethylene with embedded titanium

The study was performed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of porous polyethylene with embedded titanium in the repair of orbital blowout fracture. The study was designed as a prospective case series. Patients who were diagnosed with orbital blowout fracture from May 2012 to March 2013 were included in the study. A composite material of porous polyethylene and titanium mesh was used. Orbital volumes before and after surgery were measured, and the results of diplopia and ocular movement were recorded. The occurrence of diplopia was grouped and compared according to the time interval between injury and surgery. The incidence of other complications was also recorded. A total of 26 patients were involved in the study. The minimal follow-up time was 12 months. All surgeries were performed uneventfully. The orbital volume significantly decreased after the surgery, and the remission rate and the elimination rate of diplopia in 12 months were 85.7% and 47.6%, respectively. Postoperative diplopia was correlated with the time interval between injury and surgery. One patient presented with undercorrection of enophthalmos, and another patient presented with acute aggravation of diplopia and exophthalmos after surgery, which was resolved with treatment. In conclusion, porous polyethylene with embedded titanium was effective and safe in the repair of orbital blowout fracture, and studies with more subjects and longer follow-up period are recommended in future studies.