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Updated: Aug 7, 2026

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Biological Compatibility Profile on Biomaterials for Bone Regeneration
Published on: November 16, 2018
Long term follow up of bone derived hydroxyapatite orbital implants
A J Suter1, A C B Molteno, T H Bevin
1Department of Ophthalmology, Dunedin Hospital, New Zealand .
The British Journal of Ophthalmology
|October 19, 2002
Summary
Bone derived hydroxyapatite orbital implants show good long term outcomes. Omitting a scleral covering resulted in significantly fewer complications for these orbital implants.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Bone derived hydroxyapatite (BDH) orbital implants are used after enucleation.
- Long term outcomes and complication rates require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long term experience with BDH orbital implants.
- To compare outcomes of scleral-wrapped versus non-scleral-wrapped BDH implants.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series of 120 eyes undergoing BDH orbital implant insertion (1977-2000).
- Data collected via medical records, patient interviews, and GP records.
- Follow-up duration ranged from 0.5 to 25 years (mean 8.9 years).
Main Results:
- 25% experienced minor complications (e.g., implant exposure), while 7.5% had major complications requiring explantation.
- Major complications were linked to tissue disruption, ischemia, or inflammation.
- Significantly fewer complications were observed in implants without scleral covering (p<0.05).
Conclusions:
- BDH orbital implants are associated with low long term complication rates and good cosmetic results.
- Omitting scleral covering may offer advantages and could be the preferred surgical approach.

