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Updated: Jul 25, 2025
Three-Dimensional Reconstruction of Orbital Fractures
Published on: May 16, 2025
Orthopaedic Advances: Use of Three-Dimensional Metallic Implants for Reconstruction of Critical Bone Defects After
Edward R Westrick1, Mitchell Bernstein, Milton T Little
1From the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA (Westrick), the Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada (Bernstein), the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA (Little), the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA (Marecek), and the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California Irvine, Orange, CA (Scolaro).
Abstract:
Multiple successful strategies exist for the management of critical-sized bone defects. Depending on the location and etiology of an osseous defect, there are nuances that must be considered by the treating surgeon. The induced membrane technique and various modifications of the Ilizarov method (bone transport by distraction osteogenesis) have been the most common methods for biologic reconstruction. Despite the versatility and high union rates reported, they may not be practical for every patient. The rapid expansion of three-dimensional printing of medical devices has led to an increase in their use within orthopaedic surgery, specifically in the definitive treatment of critical bone defects. This article proposes indications and contraindications for implementation of this technology and reviews the available clinical evidence on the use of custom nonresorbable implants for the treatment of traumatic bone loss. Clinical cases are presented to illustrate the scenarios in which this approach is viable.
