[Use of PTFE membranes in the orbital floor fractures].

BACKGROUND: Because the orbital-malar complex has a peculiar anatomic constitution and position, it is at the third place for frequency of the fractures especially if we compare it with another skeleton's parts. Till now have been tested numerous materials with advantages but also some disadvantages used to rebuild the orbital floor. We thought it right to test a material with biocompatibility, easy handiness, chemical stability and elasticit, as PTFE membrane.

METHODS: We studied 40 cases of both sexes (age between 19 and 70 years) of orbital-malar complex fractures: 14 with isolated fractures, 20 with complexes fractures and 6 politraumatized. They show various degree prolapse of the orbital contents in the maxillary sinus. We make clinic examination and orthoptic analysis by Hess's screen, test of forced traction, axial and coronal TC. In all patients, surgery approach and methodology of plate application were the same.

RESULTS: All the floors had a optimal and immediate functional renewal; there wasn't any inflammatory reaction neither immediately nor after a two years follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the results show a lot of clinical and practical advantages of the PTFE membrane: the extreme biocompatibility and the easy handiness, the ductility and the low cost.