Objective: Fractures of the orbital floor are common yet repaired by various techniques, including open periorbital, transantral endoscopic, and endoscopic endonasal approaches. To date, endoscopic endonasal repair of an orbital floor fracture using an alloplastic implant has not been described. We aim to determine the technique and limitations of completely endoscopic endonasal orbital floor repair using an alloplastic implant.
Study design: Cadaveric anatomic study and retrospective case series.
Methods: Cadaveric study of 12 sides with endoscopic sinonasal dissection followed by the creation and repair of an isolated orbital floor fracture using an alloplastic implant. Four representative patient cases are presented in which the techniques developed in the cadaveric study were employed. Patients were selected for this technique based on the results of the cadaveric study.
Results: Cadaveric study demonstrated feasibility of access and repair for fractures that did not extend lateral to the infraorbital canal or anterior to the nasolacrimal duct. In all cadaveric sides and in all 4 patient cases, successful alloplastic orbital floor reconstruction was achieved.
Conclusion: This method of repair is feasible for selected patients and may be considered in cases of favorable fracture anatomy with or without concomitant indication for an ipsilateral sinus procedure.
Keywords: endoscopic endonasal; orbital floor fracture; rigid reconstruction.
© The Author(s) 2016.