Is there an ideal implant for orbital reconstructions? Prospective 64-case study.

The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of porous polyethylene, titanium mesh, and castor oil-derived biopolymer randomized in orbital reconstructions of defects larger than 1 cm in length on the inferior and medial walls. A total of 63 patients (64 orbits) were evaluated to determine the presence of diplopia, enophthalmos ocular motility, and infraorbital nerve paraesthesia in both the preoperative and postoperative periods. The surgeons' opinions of the ease in handling the implants were also obtained after each procedure. The patients were divided into 3 groups: 17 received porous polyethylene, 21 received castor oil-derived biopolymer, and 26 received titanium mesh. In the preoperative period, 30 patients experienced enophthalmos, 11 experienced diplopia, and 12 experienced ocular motility. Ninety days after the orbital reconstruction, 6 cases of enophthalmos persisted, as did 2 cases of diplopia and 2 cases of ocular motility. Ten patients developed some type of postoperative complication. Material removal was required in only 1 case. Regardless of the size of the defect, the materials used were found to be effective for reconstructing orbital volume; they were also found to offer ease in handling and stabilization.