Virtual Planning and 3D Printing in the Management of Acute Orbital Fractures and Post-Traumatic Deformities

Abstract

Virtual surgical planning (VSP) and three-dimensional (3D) printing have advanced surgical reconstruction of orbital defects. Individualized 3D models of patients' orbital bony and soft tissues provide the surgeon with corrected orbital volume based on normalized anatomy, precise location of critical structures, and when needed a better visualization of the defect or altered anatomy that are paramount in preoperative planning. The use of 3D models preoperatively allows surgeons to improve the accuracy and safety of reconstruction, reduces intraoperative time, and most importantly lowers the rate of common postoperative complications, including over- or undercontouring of plates, orbital implant malposition, enophthalmos, and hypoglobus. As 3D printers and materials become more accessible and cheaper, the utility of printing patient-specific implants becomes more feasible. This article summarizes the traditional surgical management of orbital fractures and reviews advances in VSP and 3D printing in this field. It also discusses the use of in-house (point-of-care) VSP and 3D printing to further advance care of acute orbital trauma and posttraumatic deformities.

Evolution of Medical Modeling and 3D Printing in Microvascular Midface Reconstruction: Literature Review and Experience at MD Anderson Cancer Center

“…Microvascular reconstruction of the midface has witnessed tremendous advances over time, from generic titanium plates and bone grafts to microvascular osteocutaneous flaps incorporating cutting-edge technology with preoperative imaging and computerassisted design and modeling [36]. The growth in virtual surgical planning technology has revolutionized reconstruction of the craniofacial skeleton in congenital pediatric cases as well as traumatic defects [37][38][39][40]. The present review offers a summary of the most up-to-date studies in the literature, and also offers some insights from the authors' early experience in oncologic reconstruction, where extensive resections are performed in order to obtain the highest chance for cure.…”