Comparative Study between Conchal Cartilage Grafts and Split Rib Grafts in the Reconstruction of Orbital Floor Fractures

ABSTRACTBackground: Orbital floor fractures always represent achallenge for reconstruction. Various techniques for treatmenthad evolved over the past years, each with their strengths andweaknesses. The main aim of surgical repair is to relocateherniated orbital tissue and fat back into the orbit restoringboth the function and aesthetic aspect. Reconstruction oforbital floor can be performed using various types of materials,either autologous as rib grafts or cartilage grafts or alloplasticas titanium mesh.Aim of the Study: The aim of this study is to compare theresults of using autologous cartilage grafts with those of splitrib graft in small posttraumatic orbital floor defects reconstruction.Patients and Methods: 30 patients with orbital floordefects due to maxillofacial trauma. They were divided into2 groups according to the technique of reconstruction: Group1: 15 patients who had reconstruction by onlay split rib graftsGroup 2: 15 patients who had reconstruction by conchalcartilage grafts, using either unilateral or sutured bilateralconchal cartilage grafts in large defects. Both methods wereanalyzed clinically and radiologically and were compared asregards, their advantages and disadvantages Postoperativeassessment using CT scan were used.Results: With the conchal cartilage grafts, the results weremore favorable with statistically significant decrease incomplications.Conclusion: Reconstruction of orbital floor fracturesusing conchal cartilage grafts represents a safe and reliablemethod of reconstruction with less complications.