Porous polyethylene implant for orbital wall reconstruction

Short-term and intermediate-term results from clinical use of high-density porous polyethylene implants for reconstructive orbital surgery have been encouraging. This article presents an intermediate-term result from one institution with a comprehensive comparative analysis of other available alloplastic materials. A patient survey of 32 cases of orbital reconstruction using porous polyethylene sheet implants was performed, with a mean follow-up period of 32 months (range 15 to 67). All cases were trauma-related injuries. The result was compared with that of published reports of other alloplastic materials with specific emphasis on complication rates. Complication rate following the use of porous polyethylene sheet implants was 6%. This finding was consistent with those of other reports on porous polyethylene sheet implants. A consistent, satisfactory surgical outcome and low complication rate were observed. In the authors' review, the porous polyethylene implants compared favorably in a comparative analysis of other alloplastic materials.