Alloplastic implants for orbital wall reconstruction

Nonabsorbable alloplastic implants for orbital wall reconstruction have been widely accepted by surgeons because of their ready availability, stability, and biocompatability. Many complications have arisen with this class of implants because the lack of host tissue integration allows for implant migration, implant extrusion, recurrent hemorrhage, and infection. Porous polyethylene implants provide a welcome alternative as they have the unique properly of supporting tissue ingrowth in vivo. Their semirigid structure provides structural stability when used around the orbit, and their malleability allows for easy contouring. This paper presents our surgical approach to reconstructing orbital defects with porous polyethylene implants, including orbital floor, and superior, medial, and lateral wall defects, and discusses the advantages/disadvantages of other nonabsorbable alloplasts.