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Accumulation of a black material around some titanium coupling posts.

David R Jordan¹, Seymour Brownstein, Michael W Dorey

¹Department of Ophthalmology, University of Ottawa Eye Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. DRJORDAN@MAGMA.CA

Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

|November 20, 2002

Summary

A rare black material accumulation around titanium implants in the eye is identified as titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V). This finding in conjunctival tissues appears to be asymptomatic and without consequence over 18 to 48 months.

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Area of Science:

Ophthalmology
Biomaterials Science
Histopathology

Background:

Titanium peg and sleeve systems are used in ocular implants.
Accumulation of foreign material around implants can raise clinical concerns.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the nature and clinical significance of a black material observed in the conjunctiva surrounding titanium ocular implant components.

Main Methods:

Retrospective case series of 5 patients.
Clinical data review.
Histopathologic analysis of conjunctival specimens.
Neutron activation analysis of implant material.

Main Results:

Five asymptomatic patients presented with black material at the conjunctival-titanium peg interface.

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Histopathology revealed a foreign-appearing black material, intracytoplasmic, birefringent, and iron-positive in some cases.

Neutron activation analysis identified the material as titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V).

Conclusions:

The black substance accumulating around titanium ocular implant posts is uncommon.
Analysis indicates the material is titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V).
This accumulation appears to be asymptomatic and without adverse consequences in the medium term (18-48 months).