Computer-guided orbital reconstruction to improve outcomes

Abstract

Objectives: (1) To describe repair of complex orbital fractures using computer planning with preoperative virtual reconstruction, mirror image overlay, endoscopy, and surgical navigation. (2) To test the hypothesis that this technique improves outcomes in complex orbital fractures.

Methods: A series of 113 consecutive severe orbital fracture cases was analyzed, 56 of which were performed with mirror image overlay guidance, and 57 of which were repaired without. Data were collected on patient characteristics, fracture severity, diplopia and globe position outcomes, complications, and need for revision surgery.

Results: The mirror image overlay group showed decreased postoperative diplopia in all fracture types (P = .003); the effectiveness was maximal for fractures that involved 3 or 4 walls or the posterior one-third of the orbital floor (P < .001). The need for revision surgery was greatly reduced in this cohort (4% vs 20%; P = .03).

Conclusions: The efficacy of mirror image overlay navigation and orbital endoscopy was studied in one of the largest series of complex orbital fractures in the literature. Based on statistically significant improved outcomes in postoperative diplopia and orbital volume, as well as the decreased need for revision surgery, we accept the hypothesis that mirror image overlay guidance improves outcomes in complex orbital reconstruction and recommend its use for complex orbital fracture repair.

Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest Disclosures: None reported.

Figures

Figure 1

Mirror image overlay (MIO) from the right unaffected side onto the left fractured side. The cursor is seen confirming the intraoperative placement of the new implant with surgical navigation. A, Coronal image. B, Sagittal image. White arrows point to the displaced orbital floor, and the red arrows point to the MOI orbital floor, or the desired position for the reconstruction. C, Axial image. D, Three-dimensional reconstruction.

Figure 2

A second example of the mirror image overlay technique. In this instance it is a revision operation. A, Coronal image. The prior implant (arrows) is seen in a nonfavorable lateralized position. B, Sagittal image. C, Axial image. D, Three-dimensional reconstruction.

Figure 3

Endoscopic photograph of left orbit confirming correct placement of implant using navigation probe (*). A malleable retractor (†) is seen on the right side of the image retracting the orbital contents.

Figure 4

Diplopia outcomes stratified for revisions and fracture types. Error bars indicate 95% confidence intervals. MIO indicates mirror image overlay.