Late reconstruction of extensive orbital floor fracture with a patient-specific implant in a bombing victim

Abstract

Fractures of the orbital floor and walls are among the most frequent maxillofacial fractures. Virtual three-dimensional (3D) planning and use of patient-specific implants (PSIs) could improve anatomic and functional outcomes in orbital reconstruction surgery. The presented case was a victim of a terrorist attack involving improvised explosive devices. This 58-year-old female suffered severe wounds caused by a single piece of metal from a bomb, shattering the left orbital floor and lateral orbital wall. Due to remaining hypotropia of the left eye compared to the right eye, late orbital floor reconstruction was carried out with a personalised 3D printed titanium implant. We concluded that this technique with PSI appears to be a viable method to correct complex orbital floor defects. Our research group noted good aesthetic and functional results one year after surgery. Due to the complexity of the surgery for a major bony defect of the orbital floor, it is important that the surgery be executed by experienced surgeons in the field of maxillofacial traumatology.