Individual preformed titanium meshes for orbital fractures.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this investigation was to develop and test the accuracy of a procedure for fabricating individual preformed titanium meshes for orbital fractures.


METHODS
Preoperative CT datasets from five patients with orbital fractures were used for 3D reconstruction by mirroring the unaffected side onto the defective one, resulting in a new sub-volume. A template for adaptation of the titanium mesh was produced by applying these sub-volumes. Navigation-aided procedures guaranteed the exact placement of the preformed mesh during the operation.


RESULTS
The accuracy of the reconstructed orbital floor was determined to be approximately 1 mm, which lies within the technical limit of detection.


CONCLUSIONS
These results indicate a further application or navigation-aided reconstruction, which will serve as a pilot project for further investigations. Clustered databases of patients will be used to produce various template sets, reflecting ideal skeletons, according to age, sex, and other patient variables. These could be used for manufacturing preformed osteosynthesis templates.
Metzger
Marc Christian
MC
Department of Craniomaxillofacial Surgery, Albert-Ludwigs-University, Freiberg, Germany. Marc_Metzger@gmx.net
Schön
Ralf
R
Schulze
Dirk
D
Carvalho
Carlos
C
Gutwald
Ralf
R
Schmelzeisen
Rainer
R
D016208:Databases, Factual; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D009917:Orbital Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D013526:Surgical Mesh; D014025:Titanium; D036542:Tomography, Spiral Computed
D014025:Titanium