title: Stereolithographic models to guide orbital and oculoplastic surgery.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This paper aims to highlight the potential of stereolithographic models (SLM) as a tool in orbital surgical planning, and provides four examples of their role in facilitating successful surgery.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective case series report.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Case 1: SLM facilitated a successful orbital biopsy of a deep orbital mass by allowing several practice trucut biopsies. Case 2: Complex orbital fracture-repair was facilitated by using a SLM to demonstrate post-trauma and previous post-surgical-intervention bony anatomy. Case 3: Replication of accurate orbital anatomy in a case of severe socket contracture facilitated the selection of Branemark-implant placement sites to prevent inadvertent entry into the cranial cavity. Case 4: SLM prevented unnecessary surgical intervention.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  SLM are useful tools for pre-operative surgical planning, and have applications in selected complex orbital and oculoplastic cases.
authors.affiliation: Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Colney Lane, Norwich, UK.
authors.forename: Bijan
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Beigi
authors.forename: Tristan F W
authors.initials: TF
authors.lastname: McMullan
authors.forename: Deepak
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Gupta
authors.forename: Mona
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Khandwala
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D003198:Computer Simulation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013508:Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures; D009915:Orbit / Q000601:surgery*; D009917:Orbital Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D009918:Orbital Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted