Use of Occlusal Splint for Noninvasive Fixation of a Reference Frame in Orbital Navigation Surgery

Introduction When prepping for navigation surgery, a reference frame must be fixed to the patient’s head with a Mayfield clamp, bone anchor, headset, or headband. Fixation of the clamp or bone anchor with a screw or head pins is invasive, whereas use of a headband or headset is noninvasive. However, during orbital surgery for blowout fractures or orbital tumors, surgeons or instruments can interfere between the reference frame and the optical tracking navigation system, even if using noninvasive fixation. Materials and methods We used an occlusal splint for noninvasive fixation of a reference frame in orbital navigation surgery to overcome the problems. Results A surgeon could operate without interferences between the reference frame and the optical tracking navigation system during orbital navigation surgery. Conclusion We recommend the use of an occlusal splint for noninvasive fixation of a reference frame in orbital navigation surgery.