Porous Polyethylene/Titanium Implants in the Treatment of Large Orbital Fractures

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: We present our experience with porous polyethylene/titanium implants in large orbital fractures that are difficult to repair with conventional orbital implants. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on seven patients who underwent repair of orbital fractures using porous polyethylene/titanium implants from September 2005 to December 2007. RESULTS: The average age of the seven patients was 33.3 years, including two males and five females. The mean follow-up period was 5.4 months. Six cases had combined medial and inferior wall fractures, and one case had a large inferior wall fracture. Fractures were all large enough to encompass over 50% of the associated walls. After surgery, ocular motility disturbance and diplopia improved significantly. Enophthalmos improved from a mean of 2.9 mm to 0.6 mm postoperatively. No complications occurred such as visual loss, implant exposure or migration, or orbital infection. CONCLUSIONS: Porous polyethylene/titanium implants are effective and safe for the repair of large orbital fractures without the help of microscrews or microplates.