Related Experiment Videos
Hydroxyapatite orbital implant exposure in children
Loretta M Nolan1, Michael O'keefe, Bernadette Lanigan
1The Children's Hospital, Temple Street, Dublin 1, Ireland.
Summary
Hydroxyapatite orbital implants can cause complications like conjunctival erosion in children after enucleation. These issues led to significant problems in 19 pediatric patients, requiring further management.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Hydroxyapatite orbital implants are used after enucleation to integrate with prostheses.
- Complications associated with these implants in pediatric patients require careful consideration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report complications of hydroxyapatite orbital implants in a pediatric population over a 14-year period.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 19 pediatric patients undergoing enucleation between 1987 and 2001.
- Review of indications for enucleation and implant-related complications.
Main Results:
- The primary indications for enucleation were retinoblastoma (n=17), persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous (n=1), and painful blind eye (n=1).
- Conjunctival erosion occurred in 36.84% of patients, with implant exposure in 15.70%.
- No orbital infections were reported; management involved resuturing and scleral patching.
Conclusions:
- Conjunctival erosion of hydroxyapatite implants is a significant source of morbidity in pediatric patients post-enucleation.
- Careful monitoring and management are essential for hydroxyapatite orbital implants in children.