Investigation of a bioresorbable orbital implant.
OBJECTIVE
To analyze a new bioresorbable orbital implant (open-celled polylactic acid, also known as OPLA).


METHODS
The implants were examined macroscopically, with chemical analysis (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy), and microscopically with scanning electron microscopy. Animal implantation of OPLA implants was carried out in 9 adult male New Zealand albino rabbits. Implant vascularization was evaluated by histopathologic sectioning.


RESULTS
The OPLA implant is porous and lightweight but fragile. Histopathologically it stimulated primarily a multinucleated giant cell granulomatous reaction with little fibrovascular ingrowth seen at 4 and 8 weeks. By 20 and 24 weeks, the implant was replaced predominantly by necrotic debris and peripheral giant cells.


CONCLUSIONS
The OPLA implant is not an acceptable alternative to other currently available orbital implants.
D020341:Absorbable Implants; D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D015353:Eye Enucleation; D005355:Fibrosis; D006101:Granuloma, Giant Cell / Q000473:pathology; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D023421:Models, Animal; D009336:Necrosis; D009915:Orbit / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D020273:Orbital Implants; D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016062:Porosity; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation / Q000379:methods; D011817:Rabbits
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers; D019344:Lactic Acid; C033616:poly(lactide)