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

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 ± 0.08 mm and 1.63 ± 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.