An objective technique to calculate dermis-fat graft volume

Abstract

We describe an objective method to measure the volume of a dermis-fat graft (DFG) implant for socket reconstruction. We reviewed the charts of 10 patients undergoing dermis fat grafting as a primary or secondary implant for anophthalmic socket reconstruction between January 2018 and December 2019. The amount of the DFG required to replace the volume of an appropriate spherical implant for the operated eye was predetermined. The volume of the DFG implant was measured by the water displacement method as per the Archimedes principle. Patient demographics, complications, and the outcome were analyzed regarding cosmesis and volume replacement. All patients were satisfied with the final cosmesis. Follow-up ranged from 6 to 18 months (mean 10.7 months). Thus, we concluded that the water displacement method is a simple and easy procedure to objectively determine the amount of the autologous DFG needed to replace the volume in an anophthalmic socket.

Keywords

• dermis fat graft
• graft volume
• measurement
• water displacement method