Repair of orbital floor fractures via the transantral approach with osteosynthesis plate.

INTRODUCTION

The most common surgical access techniques employed in patients with orbital floor fractures are associated with a risk of complications, such as implant infection, migration, epiphora, lower eyelid retraction, ectropion, diplopia worsening, retrobulbar hematoma, emphysema, "white-eyed" syndrome, enophthalmia relapse, hypoglobus, and persistent diplopia due to periorbital atrophy. Consequently, alternative access techniques precluding these complications have to be found.

STUDY

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy of transantral approach in the surgical treatment of patients with orbital floor fractures based on results of retrospective analysis of our clinical experience.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study of medical records and X-ray data of 52 patients with fractures of the floor of the orbit, 18 to 68 years old, treated using transantral approach as described in the article. Titanium plates of special shape were used for orbital floor reconstruction.

RESULTS

In 94.2% of the cases, adequate restoration of the floor of the orbit was achieved. It led to regression of the ocular signs. In 4 patients, diplopia remained in extreme gaze positions, which did not require surgical correction. The failed cases were related to incorrect positioning of the plate or fixing screws. No inflammatory complications were observed.

CONCLUSION

Transantral access approach may be a technique of choice in treating patients with orbital floor fractures; it is safe, minimally traumatic, and effective in the early posttraumatic period when the injured area is located in the posterior parts of the floor of the orbit.