Emerging Technologies in the Treatment of Orbital Floor Fractures: A Systematic Review.

Abstract

<i>Background and Objectives</i>: Orbital floor fractures are challenging to treat, due to the complex orbital anatomy and limited surgical access. Emerging technologies-such as virtual surgical planning (VSP), 3D printing, patient-specific implants (PSIs), and intraoperative navigation-offer promising advancements to improve the surgical precision and clinical outcomes. This review systematically evaluates and synthesizes current technological modalities with respect to their accuracy, operative duration, cost-effectiveness, and postoperative functional outcomes. <i>Materials and Methods</i>: A systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The PubMed, Scopus, and PRIMO databases were searched for clinical studies published between 2019 and September 2024. Out of 229 articles identified, 9 met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed using the PICO framework. <i>Results</i>: VSP and 3D printing enhanced diagnostics and presurgical planning, offering improved accuracy and reduced planning time. Pre-bent PSIs shaped on 3D models showed superior accuracy, lower operative times, and better cost efficiency compared to intraoperative mesh shaping. Custom-designed PSIs offered high precision and clinical benefit but required a longer production time. Intraoperative navigation improved implant positioning and reduced the complication rates, though a detailed cost analysis remains limited. <i>Conclusions</i>: VSP, 3D printing, and intraoperative navigation significantly improve surgical planning and outcomes in orbital floor reconstruction. Pre-bent PSIs provide a time- and cost-effective solution with strong clinical performance. While customized PSIs offer accuracy, they are less practical in time-sensitive settings. Navigation systems are promising tools that enhance outcomes and may serve as an alternative to custom implants when time or resources are limited.