A Literature Review of Rapid Prototyping and Patient Specific Implants for the Treatment of Orbital Fractures

Abstract

Post-traumatic reconstruction of the orbit can pose a challenge due to inherent intraoperative problems. Intra-orbital adipose tissue is difficult to manipulate and retract making visualization of the posterior orbital contents difficult. Rapid prototyping (RP) is a cost-effective method of anatomical model production allowing the surgeon to produce a patient specific implant (PSI) which can be pre-surgically adapted to the orbital defect with exact reconstruction. Intraoperative imaging allows immediate assessment of reconstruction at the time of surgery. Utilization and combination of both technologies improves accuracy of reconstruction with orbital implants and reduces cost, surgical time, and the rate of revision surgery.