From the Research
A prebent orbital plate is a specialized implant used in orbital reconstruction surgery, recommended for repairing orbital floor or wall fractures to restore proper eye position and function, as supported by the most recent study 1. These plates are typically made of titanium and come pre-shaped to match the natural contours of the orbit. They are available in various sizes and configurations to fit different orbital regions and fracture patterns. To use a prebent orbital plate:
- Select the appropriate size and shape based on preoperative imaging and intraoperative assessment
- Trim or adjust the plate as needed to fit the defect precisely
- Insert the plate through a transconjunctival or subciliary incision
- Secure the plate with screws to stable bone around the fracture edges The prebent design offers several advantages:
- Reduces operative time by eliminating the need for intraoperative bending, as shown in a study comparing pre-bent implants to non-preformed implants 2
- Ensures a more accurate anatomical fit compared to manually bent plates
- Minimizes the risk of implant deformation or weakening from repeated bending Postoperatively, patients typically require:
- Oral antibiotics for 5-7 days
- Head elevation and ice packs for 48-72 hours
- Avoidance of nose blowing for 2 weeks
- Follow-up at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months to assess healing and eye function Using prebent plates can lead to improved surgical outcomes and reduced complications in orbital reconstruction procedures, with a study finding that patient-specific implants improved orbital volume reconstruction accuracy but did not decrease complications compared to preformed implants 3. The most recent and highest quality study 1 supports the use of prebent orbital plates, finding that prebending of prefabricated titanium implants according to the fellow orbit can achieve better surgical outcomes in a cost-effective manner.