Hydroxyapatite orbital implants: indications for use and nursing considerations

1. An orbital implant made of coralline hydroxyapatite is available as an enucleation, evisceration, or secondary orbital implant. This material is naturally occurring, nontoxic, nonallergenic, biocompatible, and resistant to infection. 2. Special nursing considerations, beginning with meticulous aseptic technique, are necessitated by the special preparation of the hydroxyapatite sphere for implantation. It is important to assess the patient's understanding of the surgical procedure, postoperative care regimen, and the importance of keeping follow-up appointments. 3. Coralline hydroxyapatite orbital implants undergo fibrovascular ingrowth, making them truly integrated orbital implants. Unique possibilities for prosthetic rehabilitation provide a significant improvement over previously available enucleation implants.