Use of custom fabricated surgical jig to improve surgical outcomes in open reduction internal fixation of unilateral orbital fractures: A prospective clinical study

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of virtual planning and surgical guide jig to improve surgical outcomes of open reduction and internal fixation with restoration and correction of orbital volume (OV) in unilateral orbital wall fractures. METHODS: Fifteen patients with unilateral orbital fractures were assessed with ophthalmologic and radiographic parameters. The orbit was divided into three zones on computed tomography to localize defects. Fractures were coded into Fx Mx Rx Lx (F = Orbital Floor, M = Medial Wall, L = Lateral wall, R = Orbital Roof) based on pattern and specific wall involved. 1-mm sections were used to make stereolithographic models, design the custom fabricated surgical jig for intraoperative use as a guide. RESULTS: Pre- and postoperative ophthalmological parameters, OV, were compared with the contralateral normal orbit serving as the reference. Postoperative ophthalmological parameters showed significant improvement in terms of visual acuity, enophthalmos, dystopia, and traumatic optic neuropathy. OV changes were concentrated in Zones 2 and 3. OV showed adequate restoration postoperatively. CONCLUSION: The surgical jig served as an efficient guide to improve surgical outcomes of open reduction internal fixation. Preplanned intraoperative positioning helped achieve adequate anatomical reduction and fixation with an adequate reconstruction of OV aiding the effective transfer of virtual surgical plan on the table with improved surgical outcomes in clinical performance and functional restitution. Clinical trial registration: The Clinical Trials Registry of India (CTRI) Registration No.: CTRI/2019/11/021929.