Mycobacterium abscessus infection in a case of recurrent orbital implant exposure

Exposure is one of the most frequent complications of porous orbital implants, while infection is rarely observed. Atypical mycobacteria are ubiquitous germs of mostly variable pathogenicity. A patient with recurrent orbital implant exposure is described, in whom a final diagnosis of Mycobacterium abscessus infection was made on culture of the orbital implant remnant at its removal. In orbital implant exposure, infection with unexpected organisms should be considered and in these cases only the complete removal of the implant may allow the socket to settle.