P Martin1, R Ghabrial. 1. Sydney Eye Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine a surgical method of management of exposed hydroxyapatite orbital implants. DESIGN: Noncomparative small case series. PARTICIPANTS: Four patients with exposures of hydroxyapatite orbital implants are described. INTERVENTION: A superiorly based tarsoconjunctival pedicle flap is fashioned from the upper eyelid; this flap is inverted and placed over the scleral-covered, exposed hydroxyapatite orbital implant. The flap is divided as a second-stage procedure 4 weeks later. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Mucosal coverage of the previously exposed orbital implant was measured. RESULTS: Four cases are presented with excellent postoperative results at 3 to 18 months' follow-up. CONCLUSION: A suitably fashioned pedicle flap from the upper eyelid is an effective method of managing exposed hydroxyapatite orbital implants.
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine a surgical method of management of exposed hydroxyapatite orbital implants. DESIGN: Noncomparative small case series. PARTICIPANTS: Four patients with exposures of hydroxyapatite orbital implants are described. INTERVENTION: A superiorly based tarsoconjunctival pedicle flap is fashioned from the upper eyelid; this flap is inverted and placed over the scleral-covered, exposed hydroxyapatite orbital implant. The flap is divided as a second-stage procedure 4 weeks later. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Mucosal coverage of the previously exposed orbital implant was measured. RESULTS: Four cases are presented with excellent postoperative results at 3 to 18 months' follow-up. CONCLUSION: A suitably fashioned pedicle flap from the upper eyelid is an effective method of managing exposed hydroxyapatite orbital implants.