Impact of In-House 3D-Printed Models on Re-Operation Rates and Volumetric Precision in Orbital Floor Reconstruction:...

Area of Science:

• Reconstructive surgery
• Biomedical engineering
• Medical imaging

Background:

• Orbital floor fracture repair is challenging due to poor visibility and complex anatomy.
• Inaccurate implant placement leads to complications and revision surgeries.
• Evaluating 3D-printed models for enhanced surgical accuracy is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the clinical accuracy and re-operation rates of 3D-printed model-assisted orbital reconstruction versus conventional methods.
• To assess the impact of 3D modeling on implant malposition, orbital volume restoration, and diplopia.

Main Methods:

• A comparative ambispective study of 74 patients with orbital floor fractures.
• Control group (n=34): intraoperative free-hand mesh bending.
• Study group (n=40): preoperative mesh adaptation using 3D-printed models mirrored from the contralateral orbit.

Main Results:

• The 3D model group had zero revision surgeries for malposition, versus 15% in the control group (p=0.017).
• Both techniques restored orbital volume, with greater precision in the 3D group (2390 ± 1893 mm³ vs. 3078 ± 2204 mm³).
• Postoperative diplopia at 6 months was 3% in the 3D group versus 12% in the control group.

Conclusions:

• In-house 3D-printed models enhance surgical precision in orbital floor reconstruction.
• This method effectively eliminates malposition-related revision surgeries.
• It provides a cost-effective, predictable alternative to PSIs or navigation, improving patient safety and outcomes.