Digital guide plates for correction of unilateral delayed orbitozygomatic complex fractures

Objective To investigate the clinical outcome of correction of unilateral delayed orbitozygomatic complex fractures with digital guide plates.Methods The study involved 14 cases of unilateral delayed orbitozygomatic complex fractures treated between September 2007 and March 2012.Craniofacial structures were measured by thin-section CT before operation,followed by data input to the image processing software.Before and after the processing of images,three dimensional skull models were produced using rapid prototyping technique and applied to have surgical simulation.Digital guild plates were produced for guiding the reduction of fractures and orbital walls were reconstructed as well.Results All cases were followed up for a period of 6-11 months,which showed basic restoration of facial structure and significant correction of diplopia and enophthalmos,with no infection or dislocation of implants buried in orbit floor.Mild ectropion of the lower eyelid occurred in one case and temporary decrease of frontal wrinkle in two cases,but all recovered in 3-6 months postoperatively.Conclusion Digital guide plate is easy in operation and reliable for treatment of unilateral delayed orbitozygomatic complex fractures. Key words: Zygomatic fractures; Surgery, computer-assisted;  Rapid prototyping