title: Repair of exposed hydroxyapatite orbital implant by a tarsoconjunctival pedicle flap.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Sydney Eye Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Martin
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ghabrial
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D017886:Durapatite