Is the Pre-Shaping of an Orbital Implant on a Patient-Specific 3D-Printed Model Advantageous Compared to Conventional Free-Hand Shaping? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

This study aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare pre-shaped implants on a patient-specific 3D-printed (3DP) model to manual free-hand shaping (MFS) for orbital wall reconstruction. The PRISMA protocol was followed in this study, and the review was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42021261594). A search was conducted in MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, Cochrane Library, Clinicaltrials.gov, Google Scholar, and the grey literature. Ten articles were included, and six outcomes were analyzed. In total, 281 patients were in the 3DP group and 283 were in the MFS group. The studies had an overall high risk of bias. 3DP models resulted in a better accuracy of fit, anatomical angle reproduction, and defect area coverage. The correction of orbital volume was also superior with statistical significance. There was a higher percentage of the correction of enophthalmos and diplopia in the 3DP group. Intraoperative bleeding and hospital stay were reduced in the 3DP group. The meta-analysis of operative time showed a reduction in the average operative time by 23.58 min (95% CI: -43.98 to -3.19), which was statistically significant (t(6) = -2.8299, p = 0.0300). The 3DP models appear advantageous for an accurate orbital wall reconstruction, with fewer complications than those for conventional free-hand-shaped implants.

Automated summary

This study compared pre-shaped implants on a patient-specific 3D-printed model to manual free-hand shaping for orbital wall reconstruction. The results showed that the 3DP models resulted in better accuracy, anatomical angle reproduction, defect area coverage, and correction of enophthalmos and diplopia. Intraoperative bleeding and hospital stay were reduced in the 3DP group. The meta-analysis demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in operative time.