Repair of exposed hydroxyapatite orbital implant by a tarsoconjunctival pedicle flap.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to determine a surgical method of management of exposed hydroxyapatite orbital implants.


METHODS
Noncomparative small case series.


METHODS
Four patients with exposures of hydroxyapatite orbital implants are described.


METHODS
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.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
A suitably fashioned pedicle flap from the upper eyelid is an effective method of managing exposed hydroxyapatite orbital implants.
Martin
P
P
Sydney Eye Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Ghabrial
R
R
D000328:Adult; D003228:Conjunctiva / Q000601:surgery*; D017886:Durapatite; D005143:Eyelids / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009915:Orbit / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000601:surgery*; D011247:Pregnancy; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D017886:Durapatite