title: Fenestration of Solid Orbital Implants: Reducing Retrobulbar Hematoma Rate.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Retrobulbar hematoma is an uncommon but potentially devastating complication following repair of orbital fractures. Since 2007, the senior author routinely fenestrates the solid porous polyethylene implants commonly used for orbital reconstruction. The perforated implant may facilitate drainage of postoperative bleeding and may potentially reduce the risk of retrobulbar hematoma. This study examines the rates of retrobulbar hematoma in patients who underwent orbital fracture reconstruction with placement of fenestrated or nonfenestrated implants.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective chart review of patients with orbital fracture reconstruction using an implant performed by the senior author between 2006 and 2016 was conducted. Data collected included age, sex, implant type, and presence of retrobulbar hematoma.
  
  
  RESULTS
  One hundred four patients were included in the study. One patient who was treated with a nonperforated implant was found to have a postoperative retrobulbar hematoma. The retrobulbar hematoma did not cause visual changes or increased intraocular pressure, so the patient was observed and did not undergo any surgical intervention. The hematoma resolved spontaneously without further sequela. No patients with fenestrated implants had a retrobulbar hematoma.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Fenestration of solid implants used in orbital floor reconstruction is simple and easy to perform, and may reduce the incidence of postoperative retrobulbar hematoma.
authors.affiliation: *Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO †Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Brown University, Providence, RI.
authors.forename: Scott J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Farber
authors.forename: Jenny L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Yu
authors.forename: Dennis C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Nguyen
authors.forename: Albert S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Woo
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D009917:Orbital Fractures / Q000601:surgery; D020273:Orbital Implants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016062:Porosity; D019106:Postoperative Hemorrhage / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D012086:Reoperation; D019315:Retrobulbar Hemorrhage / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology