Comparison of the decompressive effect of different surgical procedures for dysthyroid optic neuropathy using 3D printed models

Purpose To compare the decompressive effect around the optic nerve canal among 3 different decompression procedures (medial, balanced, and inferomedial) using 3D printed models. Methods In this experimental study, based on data obtained from 9 patients (18 sides) with dysthyroid optic neuropathy, a preoperative control model and 3 plaster decompression models were created using a 3D printer (total, 72 sides of 36 models). A pressure sensor was placed at the optic foramen, and the orbital space was filled with silicone. The surface of the silicone was pushed down directly, and changes in pressure were recorded at 2-mm increments of pushing. Results At 10 mm of pushing, there was significantly lower pressure in the medial (19,782.2 +/- 4319.9 Pa, P=0.001), balanced (19,448.3 +/- 3767.4 Pa, P=0.003), and inferomedial (15,855.8 +/- 4000.7 Pa, P<0.001) decompression models than in the control model (25,217.8 +/- 6087.5 Pa). Overall, the statistical results for each 2-mm push were similar among the models up to 10 mm of pushing (P < 0.050). At each push, inferomedial decompression caused the greatest reduction in pressure (P <0.050), whereas there was no significant difference in pressure between the medial and balanced decompression models (P> 0.050). Conclusion All 3 commonly performed decompression procedures significantly reduced retrobulbar pressure. Because inferomedial decompression models obtained the greatest reduction in pressure on the optic nerve canal, inferomedial decompression should be considered the most reliable procedure for rescuing vision in dysthyroid optic neuropathy.

Automated summary

This study compared the decompressive effect of three different procedures (medial, balanced, inferomedial) on the optic nerve canal using 3D printed models. The results showed that all three procedures significantly reduced retrobulbar pressure, with inferomedial decompression achieving the greatest reduction.