A novel approach to re-pegging hydroxyapatite implants using bioactive glass.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if bioactive glass, originally designed for craniomaxillofacial use, can be used effectively for re-pegging of hydroxyapatite orbital implants.


METHODS
Over a 2-year period, 3 patients with pegged hydroxyapatite orbital implants and related complications that did not respond to conservative treatment, underwent removal of the implant pegs and/or sleeves. Peg tracts were subsequently filled with bioactive glass.


RESULTS
No complications occurred in any case during 3 years of follow-up. After 2 months, 2 patients underwent successful re-drilling of the peg site and insertion of titanium pegs. Both patients were satisfied with the results. The third patient has deferred re-pegging at this time.


CONCLUSIONS
Bioactive glass is effective for refilling old peg tracts and allowing timely re-pegging of hydroxyapatite implants.
Heringer
Dustin M
DM
Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, 97128, USA. dustinheringer@hotmail.com
Ng
John D
JD
D000293:Adolescent; D020878:Device Removal; D017886:Durapatite; D015353:Eye Enucleation; D005134:Eye Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005898:Glass; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020273:Orbital Implants; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D011475:Prosthesis Failure; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation / Q000295:instrumentation*
D017886:Durapatite