Efficacy and Safety of Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene Implantation in the Correction of Long-Term Posttraumatic Enophthalmos

Abstract

Summary: Long-term enophthalmos is a common orbital fracture sequela. Various autografts and alloplastic materials have been studied in posttraumatic enophthalmos repair. However, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) implantation in late enophthalmos repair has rarely been reported. The authors report novel use of ePTFE for late posttraumatic enophthalmos repair. This retrospective study included patients with posttraumatic long-term enophthalmos who underwent hand-carved ePTFE intraorbital implantation for enophthalmos correction. Computed tomography data were collected preoperatively and at follow-up. The volume of ePTFE, the degree of proptosis (DP), and enophthalmos were measured. Postoperative and preoperative DP and enophthalmos were compared using the paired t test. The correlation between ePTFE volume and DP increment was established using linear regression. Complications were identified by chart review. From 2014 to 2021, 32 patients were included, with a mean follow-up of 19.59 months. The mean volume of implanted ePTFE was 2.39 ± 0.89 mL. After surgery, the DP of the affected globe improved significantly, from 12.75 ± 2.12 mm to 15.06 ± 2.50 mm (P < 0.0001). A significant linear correlation was found between ePTFE volume and DP increment (P < 0.0001). Enophthalmos was substantially ameliorated from 3.35 ± 1.89 mm to 1.09 ± 2.07 mm (P < 0.0001). Twenty-five patients (78.23%) had postoperative enophthalmos of less than 2 mm. Infection and implant dislocation were not observed. The authors concluded that ePTFE intraorbital implantation exhibited long-term efficacy and safety for late posttraumatic enophthalmos repair and represents an effective and predictable alternative. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.