Newly Developed Resorbable Magnesium Biomaterials for Orbital Floor Reconstruction in Caprine and Ovine Animal Models—A Prototype Design and Proof-of-Principle Study

Abstract

Background: orbital floor fractures have not been reconstructed using magnesium biomaterials. Methods: To test technical feasibility, ex vivo caprine and ovine heads (n = 5) were used. Head tissues were harvested from pubescent animals (n = 5; mean age: 3.2 years; mean mass: 26.3 kg) and stored below 11 degrees for 7–10 days. All procedures were performed in a university animal resource facility. Two experienced maxillofacial surgeons performed orbital floor procedures in both orbits of all animals in a step-by-step preplanned dissection. A transconjunctival approach was chosen to repair the orbital floor with three different implants (i.e., magnesium implants; titanium mesh; and polydioxanone or PDO sheets). The position of each implant was evaluated by Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Results: Axial, coronal, and sagittal plane images showed good positioning of the magnesium plates. The magnesium plates had a radiographic visibility similar to that of the PDO sheets but lower than that of the titanium mesh. Conclusions: The prototype design study showed a novel indication for magnesium biomaterials. Further testing of this new biomaterial may lead to the first resorbable biomaterial with good mechanical properties for extensive orbital wall defects.

How to Reduce Inferomedial Orbital Wall Fracture Using a Navigation System: Tips and Pearls

“…Various materials are available to reconstruct the orbital fractures. Titanium-reinforced porous polyethylene plates, 3,6,7 artificial dermal matrix, [9][10][11] resorbable magnesium biomaterials, 12 PDS foils and titanium meshes, 13 and absorbable plates. 14 Regardless of their pros and cons, each has its own best indications.…”