[Complications of hydroxyapatite orbital implants in children: a series of 105 cases].
OBJECTIVE
To describe the complications encountered using hydroxyapatite as an orbital implant in the pediatric population after enucleation, and try to define the risk factors for their occurrence.


METHODS
and methods: Retrospective review of charts of children who underwent enucleation with placement of an hydroxyapatite implant between January 1991 and 1998. Complications and their type (conjunctival, extrusion, eyelids complications) have been specifically looked for. A statistical analysis trying to isolate the risks factors was performed.


RESULTS
105 implants have been used during this period with 26.7% of complications appearing during a median followup of 22 months. Extrusion of the implant was observed in 1.9% of the cases, a chronic conjunctival erosion in 15%, a conjunctival lesion without erosion in 4.75% and no eyelid lesion could be seen. Treatment (medical or surgical) achieved 75% good results. No risk factor could be found.


CONCLUSIONS
Hydroxyapatite orbital implants were initially thought to have no or few complications. More recently, chronic erosions in particular were described. Little data exists on the pediatric population. Our series confirms that complications occur and that they are comparable to the adult population. Nevertheless the hydroxyapatite orbital implant seems better tolerated than other porous or non porous implants and warrants its use.
Lumbroso
L
L
Service d'Ophtalmologie, Institut Curie, Paris, France.
Levy
C
C
Plancher
C
C
Validire
P
P
Asselain
B
B
Doz
F
F
Schlienger
P
P
Desjardins
L
L
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000009:adverse effects; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D017886:Durapatite / Q000009:adverse effects; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D015353:Eye Enucleation; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D020273:Orbital Implants / Q000009:adverse effects; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D017886:Durapatite