Rate of vascularization of coralline hydroxyapatite ocular implants

Twelve patients received a coralline hydroxyapatite sphere as a buried integrated ocular implant after enucleation surgery. The implant was modified by drilling 5 access holes, 1 mm in diameter, to the center of the sphere to allow more rapid host tissue ingrowth. 99Tc MDP static and dynamic bone scan studies were performed at various intervals after implantation to confirm the time course for vascularization. Complete vascularization was noted in 1 of 2 patients at 8 weeks after surgery, in 7 of 7 patients at 10 to 12 weeks, and in 3 of 3 patients at 16 weeks. This modified technique allows the hydroxyapatite ocular implants to be drilled for the final motility peg at an earlier time than currently possible, thereby resulting in more rapid cosmetic rehabilitation and obviating the need for secondary modification or replacement of the prosthesis.