A clinical study of the effect of 3D reconstruction on exophthalmos after an operation on an old orbital wall fracture

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Orbital blowout fracture is common in ocular trauma. Accurate measurement of orbital volume after fracture is key in improving intraocular correction.

OBJECTIVE:

This study aims to explore the impact of 3D reconstruction technology in restoring normal exophthalmos in patients with old orbital wall fractures.

METHODS:

A total of 31 patients were randomly divided into an experimental group ( $n=$ 15) and a control group ( $n=$ 16). For orbital wall repair and reconstruction, the conventional group used the conventional surgical scheme, and the 3D group used 3D printing technology.

RESULTS:

There was no statistical difference between the preoperative mean extraocular muscle volume of the healthy eye and the affected eye. However, the mean orbital volume (24.76 vs 27.11, $P=$ 0.005) and mean retrobulbar fat volume (17.53 vs 16.42, $P=$ 0.006) were significantly different between the healthy eye and the affected eye. After an average follow-up of 16 weeks, the differences in pre- and post-surgery exophthalmos in the two groups were 0.42 $\pm$ 0.08 mm and 1.63 $\pm$ 0.51 mm, respectively. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant ( $t=$ 4.42, $P=$ 0.003). The complications were not statistically different.

CONCLUSION:

Using 3D reconstruction technology preoperatively can significantly improve exophthalmos in patients with old orbital wall fractures.