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Synthetic hydroxyapatite orbital implants: a clinical and MRI evaluation
N Sarvananthan1, A J Liddicoat, G T Fahy
1Department of Ophthalmology, Leicester Royal Infirmary, UK.
Eye (London, England)
|August 18, 1999
Summary
Synthetic hydroxyapatite orbital implants offer good cosmetic results. However, vascularization of these implants is variable, particularly in secondary implantation surgeries, impacting long-term integration.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Biomaterials Science
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Coralline hydroxyapatite orbital implants have been utilized since the 1980s.
- Synthetic hydroxyapatite (HA) implants are increasingly used for both primary and secondary orbital implantation.
- These implants may require drilling and pegging post-vascularization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical outcomes of synthetic hydroxyapatite orbital implants.
- To assess the vascularization of synthetic hydroxyapatite orbital implants using MRI.
Main Methods:
- Clinical evaluation of twelve patients with synthetic HA orbital implants.
- Orbital magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with gadolinium contrast in 8 patients at least 9 months post-operation.
- Comparison between primary (n=6) and secondary (n=6) implant cases.
Main Results:
- No significant complications were reported with synthetic HA implants.
- All patients expressed cosmetic satisfaction with the surgical outcomes.
- MRI showed inhomogeneous enhancement in primary implants and poor enhancement in most secondary implants.
Conclusions:
- Synthetic hydroxyapatite implants provide favorable clinical and cosmetic results.
- Vascularization of synthetic HA implants is inconsistent, especially in secondary cases.
- Further research may be needed to optimize vascularization in secondary HA orbital implants.