Reconstruction of Large Orbital Posterior Floor Wall Fracture Considering Orbital Floor Slope Using Endoscope

Reconstruction of a large orbital fracture extending to the posterior wall of the maxillary sinus is difficult and challenging. In this study, the authors present transconjunctival or transcaruncular approach using endoscopy and layered porous polyethylene barrier sheets to manage large orbital floor wall fracture.

A retrospective review of all patients who underwent reconstruction of large orbital floor wall fractures between June 2009 and July 2015 was conducted. Patient demographics, degree of enophthalmos, ocular motility and diplopia test results, and surgical complications were reviewed.

This study included 53 eyes of 53 patients. The mean time from trauma to surgery was 34.1 days (range, 1-360 days). The average postoperative follow-up period was 6.1 months (range, 3-14 months). The degrees of enophthalmos preoperatively, and 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months postoperatively were -1.98 mm (range, -1.5 to -3 mm), 0.13 mm (range, -1.0 to +1.5 mm), -0.09 mm (range, -2.0 to +1.5 mm), and -0.43 mm (range, -2.0 to +1.0 mm), respectively. The mean improvement in enophthalmos at 3 months postoperation was 1.55 mm (P < 0.001). There was only 1 patient with residual 2 mm enophthalmos at 3 months postoperation. There were no definite surgical complications in any patient.

Sufficient dissection to the posterior extent of the fracture and reconstruction of the orbital floor slope are the most important surgical factors to prevent residual enophthalmos. The authors believe using an endoscope and layered porous polyethylene are effective techniques in challenging patients with large orbital wall fracture.