Modified individualized titanium mesh in orbital floor reconstruction for preventing exposure.

[OBJECTIVE] To describe a novel method of medial fixation of titanium mesh with a right-angled screwdriver for orbital floor and maxillary reconstruction and to compare the reconstruction outcome of orbital floor reconstruction with modified and traditional methods.

[METHODS] The data of 23 patients who underwent maxillectomy and orbital floor defect reconstruction by individualized titanium mesh in Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology between 2018 and 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. While eight patients received modified orbital floor reconstruction with titanium mesh and angled screwdriver (group A), 15 patients received traditional orbital floor reconstruction (group B). The contact area with buccal flap for titanium mesh in groups A and B was calculated. Titanium mesh deformation, fracture or exposure was recorded. Postoperative ophthalmic function and success of esthetic restoration were assessed.

[RESULTS] Mean follow-up was for 15.7 months (range, 9-22 months). The contact area with buccal flap for the modified titanium mesh in group A (13.11 ± 1.41 cm) was significantly less than that of the traditional titanium mesh in group B (21.83 ± 1.23 cm;  < .05). The exposure of titanium mesh occurred in two patients in group B. The self-evaluation of facial symmetry for 23 patients showed no significant difference between group A (7.75 ± 0.71) and group B (6.68 ± 1.30;  > .05). No specific complications were reported.

[CONCLUSION] We propose a novel method of zygomatic medial fixation of titanium mesh with a right-angled screwdriver for orbital floor and maxillary reconstruction, which has the potential to prevent the postoperative exposure of titanium mesh.

[LEVEL OF EVIDENCE] Level III (Retrospective comparative study).