PURPOSE: To determine the feasibility of the use of flaps from the capsule surrounding porous polyethylene implants in repairing large or recurrent implant exposures. DESIGN: Retrospective, noncomparative, interventional case series. PARTICIPANTS: Sixteen patients with exposed porous polyethylene implants. METHODS: Vertical and horizontal flaps were created from the implant capsule. These flaps were used to create a double layer of closure to seal the exposure. All patients had a minimum follow-up of at least 12 months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Repair of the exposure without recurrence during the follow-up interval, and assessment of complications. RESULTS: At the last follow-up visit, the socket was completely healed in all but 2 patients. In 1 of them, the implant was subsequently exchanged. Other complications included motility loss, conjunctival cyst, and granuloma formation. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the implant capsule to salvage exposed porous polyethylene implants is an effective technique; it is associated with some complications that can be minimized by careful case selection.
PURPOSE: To determine the feasibility of the use of flaps from the capsule surrounding porous polyethylene implants in repairing large or recurrent implant exposures. DESIGN: Retrospective, noncomparative, interventional case series. PARTICIPANTS: Sixteen patients with exposed porous polyethylene implants. METHODS: Vertical and horizontal flaps were created from the implant capsule. These flaps were used to create a double layer of closure to seal the exposure. All patients had a minimum follow-up of at least 12 months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Repair of the exposure without recurrence during the follow-up interval, and assessment of complications. RESULTS: At the last follow-up visit, the socket was completely healed in all but 2 patients. In 1 of them, the implant was subsequently exchanged. Other complications included motility loss, conjunctival cyst, and granuloma formation. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the implant capsule to salvage exposed porous polyethylene implants is an effective technique; it is associated with some complications that can be minimized by careful case selection.