Orbital reconstruction: Bone-anchored implants

The authors present their experience on reconstruction by extraoral bone-anchored implants technique, showing two patients from a total of 13, treated for orbital reconstruction. They were selected from 66 patients treated for reconstruction of orbit, ear and nose using this technique by the staff of the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery of the University of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy. They underwent orbital emptying due to cancer pathology. Surgical technique is described in detail; its final purpose being positioning of titanium fixtures on the orbital borders, necessary to anchor the silicone epithesis. The advantages and potential limits of this technique are exposed, exposing the important role of patient's compliance. The importance of preliminary study on the patients is also emphasized and includes clinical evaluation and instrumental examination for surgical planning, completed by a photographic study in the three standard projections. Satisfactory aesthetic results were obtained by the use of this technique and the authors believe it may represent a valid option; complementary to more traditional ones, but is a first choice in patients who cannot endure major surgery or in case of failure of traditional techniques.