We present our experience with porous polyethylene/titanium implants in large orbital fractures that are difficult to repair with conventional orbital implants.
MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed on seven patients who underwent repair of orbital fractures using porous polyethylene/titanium implants from September 2005 to December 2007.
ResultsThe 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.
ConclusionsPorous polyethylene/titanium implants are effective and safe for the repair of large orbital fractures without the help of microscrews or microplates.