Orbital Soft Tissue Displacement After Blow-Out Fracture Repair Using Poly (L-Lactide-Co-Glycolide) Polymer Plates Based on Image Fusion Technique

To analyze the displacement of orbital soft tissue after blow-out fracture (BOF) repair with poly (L-lactide-co-glycolide) plates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, all patients who had undergone repair operations for orbital BOF from 2017 to 2021 were evaluated. Poly (L-lactide-co-glycolide) plates were used as repair materials. Preoperative and postoperative computed tomography images were integrated into the same coordinate system applying image fusion technique and were compared to determine the maximum displacement of orbital tissue after surgical repair. RESULTS: A total of 15 patients were included. Five were male, and 10 were female. Mean age was 33±16 years. Median waiting period was 18 (12–23) days. Six cases were medial wall fractures, 5 were floor fractures, and 4 were combined fractures. Maxillo-ethmoidal strut was involved in 4. Mean defect area was 176.52±108.48 mm(2). Median interval between postoperative imaging examinations was 292 (223–600) days. Mean orbital tissue displacement was 2.6±1.8 mm. Using simple and multivariable linear regression analysis, the fracture defect area (P=0.001) and maxillo-ethmoidal strut involvement (P=0.013) were found to be significantly associated with orbital tissue displacement. Median orbital volume change was 0.804 (0.647–1.010) cm(3). Average proptosis variation was 1.2±0.8 mm. CONCLUSIONS: Poly (L-lactide-co-glycolide) plates were more suitable for orbital BOF with small defect size. Those with large defect or maxillo-ethmoidal strut involved might have greater tissue displacements due to decline of supporting strength of poly (L-lactide-co-glycolide) plates.