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Updated: Oct 1, 2025
Three-Dimensional Reconstruction of Orbital Fractures
Published on: May 16, 2025
Quantitative assessment of increase in orbital volume after orbital floor fracture reconstruction using a
Hyun Young Park1,2, Tae Hyung Kim3,4, Jin Sook Yoon1
1Department of Ophthalmology, Severance Hospital, Institute of Vision Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.
Purpose:
To assess the postoperative changes in the orbital volume and the degree of enophthalmos after orbital floor fracture reconstruction using a bioabsorbable implant and to determine the predictors of postoperative orbital volume change.
Methods:
Single-center, retrospective case series of 16 patients who underwent orbital floor fracture reconstruction using a bioabsorbable implant [poly(L-lactic acid)-poly(glycolic acid)/β-tricalcium phosphate; Biobsorb β®] were included. Three-dimensional volumetric calculations of orbit were determined using computed tomography scans and the degree of enophthalmos was assessed via Hertel exophthalmometry. Postoperative changes in the orbital volume and the degree of enophthalmos and their correlation were assessed.
Results:
The mean volume of fractured orbits immediately after surgery was 22.26 ± 1.98 cm3, increasing to 23.67 ± 2.00 cm3 at 6-month follow-up (p < 0.001); the increased orbital volume was associated with postoperative deformation of the implant. The mean degree of enophthalmos was 0.09 ± 0.27 mm at 1-month follow-up, which increased to 0.66 ± 0.30 mm at 6-month follow-up (p = 0.001). Increase in orbital volume and enophthalmos progression showed a linear correlation (R = 0.682, p = 0.004). Patients with more herniated orbital tissue preoperatively showed increased postoperative orbital volume change (p = 0.015), whereas the size of the fracture area was not predictive of postoperative orbital volume change (p = 0.442).
Conclusion:
Increase in orbital volume by deformation of the bioabsorbable implant resulted in progressive enophthalmos during the postoperative follow-up period after orbital floor fracture reconstruction. Thus, careful selection of proper implants before surgery and close postoperative follow-up is needed for an optimal outcome.
