Autogenous mandibular symphysis graft for orbital floor reconstruction: a preliminary study

Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate and analyze postoperative results of Autogenous Mandibular Symphysis graft material for orbital floor reconstruction. Material and methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 11 patients, having an isolated blow out fracture (n=4) or orbital floor defects associated with other fractures (n=7). These fractures were reconstructed with Mandibular symphysis bone grafts. The Grafts were used where the defects were more than 1.5 centimeter [1]in diameter. Follow up as long as 1.5 year was kept. Patients were evaluated at recall visits by checking various extraoccular movements. Evidence of any complications like diplopia or enopthalmos, or rejection of graft or any symptoms of infection, or of paresthesia was recorded. Results: During a 1.5 year period of follow up, most of the patients had no postoperative complaints. There was good restoration of the orbital floor, with no clinical evidence of enopthalmos or diplopia. Extraoccular movements were intact in all patients. Only one patient presented with the symptoms of infection at a follow up period of 9 months. The infection subsided after removal of titanium plates, used for the stabilization of graft. Conclusion: Autogenous Mandibular Symphysis graft is a good alternative with minimal morbidity for orbital floor reconstruction. The contour as well as the size of the graft available from symphysis region best suits for orbital floor reconstruction. © 2009, Springer.