Clinical application of 3D pre-bent titanium implants for orbital floor fractures

Introduction: Orbital structures are affected in approximately 40% of all cases of craniofacial trauma. Changes in the bony orbital dimensions can alter the function of intraorbital contents and lead to serious complications. The unique anatomy of the orbit and the resulting surgical approaches make the process of fitting and aligning implants difficult, time consuming and operator dependent. It is now possible to make relatively inexpensive anatomical models on the basis of computed tomography images, using rapid prototyping. Such models can be used as templates to form titanium mesh implants, which are then used in the reconstruction of orbital floor defects. Material and methods: Six patients with facial trauma were included in this study. First, 3D virtual models and then physical models were created. These were used as templates to shape the titanium mesh and then intraoperatively as guides to aid correct implant placement in the orbit. Results: Significant improvement resulted in three cases and total recovery in three cases. Conclusion: It is financially viable to build anatomical models, on the basis of CT studies, that can be used in the repair of orbital floor fractures. (C) 2008 European Association for Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery