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Updated: Aug 15, 2026
Multi-Scale Modification of Metallic Implants With Pore Gradients, Polyelectrolytes and Their Indirect Monitoring In vivo
Published on: July 1, 2013
Development of a poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) orbital implant allowing direct muscle attachment and tissue
C R Hicks1, A B Clayton, S Vijayasekaran
1Biomaterials Department, The Lions Eye Institute, Nedlands, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
Purpose:
To develop a poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) orbital implant that allows tissue ingrowth and direct muscle attachment to minimize the risk of extrusion and to enhance cosmesis.
Methods:
Assessment of clinical outcomes and histologic findings after implantation of 18 prototype prostheses into rabbits. The implants were not wrapped with other tissues or materials.
Results:
One case of infection was observed but there were no extrusions, with up to 21 months follow-up. Biocolonization was confirmed histologically. Good movement was observed when a cosmetic shell was fitted.
Conclusions:
The prototype prosthesis appears promising, with particular advantages being the direct attachment of extraocular muscles, good cosmesis and movement, and a low complication rate in this pilot study.
