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Facial Plast Surg 2022; 38(03): 293-299
DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1741010
Original Research

Do Orbital Implants Differ in Complication Rates: A Retrospective Study of 88 Patients, and an Argument for Cost-Effective Practices in the Face of Rising Health Care Costs

Husayn F. Ramji
1   University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
,
Nathan W. Blessing
2   Department of Oculofacial Plastic, Reconstructive, & Orbital Surgery, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Health System, Miami, Florida
3   Department of Oculofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Dean McGee Eye Institute, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
,
Jeremy F. Tan
3   Department of Oculofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Dean McGee Eye Institute, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
,
Annie Moreau
3   Department of Oculofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Dean McGee Eye Institute, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
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Abstract

Operative repair of orbital fractures utilizes implants constructed of a plethora of materials that vary in cost. Surgeon preference as well as fracture complexity may dictate the implant chosen. In this study, we retrospectively compared the complication rates of the four most common types of implants utilized at our institution. We found no significant difference in complication rates in our sample of 88 patients. Additionally, the least expensive implant was as effective as the most expensive implant in addressing isolated orbital blowout fractures. This situation is not unique to the field of oculoplastics. As evidenced from published literature in other areas of surgery, from orthopaedics to orthodontics, cheaper alternatives often afford similar outcomes as more expensive options. We herein argue that a cost-effective approach should be considered while still allowing for high quality of care, in the face of rising health care costs and health disparities in America.

Keywords

oculoplastics - orbital floor fracture - cost efficiency - public health - orbital floor implant


Publication History

Article published online:
29 December 2021

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