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Primary dermis-fat grafting in children
Anna Tarantini1, Christoph Hintschich
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Udine, Udine, Italy. tarantinianna@hotmail.com
Orbit (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
|October 7, 2008
Summary
Dermis-fat grafts in pediatric patients offer safe and effective orbital reconstruction, achieving good cosmetic and functional outcomes with manageable complications. These grafts appear to grow with the child, making them ideal for young patients.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Plastic Surgery
- Pediatric Surgery
Background:
- Orbital reconstruction is crucial for prosthetic rehabilitation after enucleation or in congenital anophthalmia.
- Dermis-fat grafting is a reconstructive technique used to restore orbital volume and contour.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of primary dermis-fat grafts in pediatric patients.
- To assess functional and cosmetic outcomes of orbital reconstruction in children.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 12 pediatric patients (<16 years) who underwent dermis-fat grafting between 1992 and 2004.
- Assessment of orbital soft tissue volume, symmetry, prosthetic fit, and motility.
Main Results:
- Eight of nine patients with sufficient follow-up achieved good orbital volume, symmetry, prosthetic fit, and motility.
- Minor complications included hair growth (laser treated), graft ulcer (repaired), and implant overgrowth (debulked).
- Successful grafting was noted in a 10-month-old with congenital anophthalmia.
Conclusions:
- Dermis-fat grafting is a safe and effective method for pediatric orbital reconstruction.
- The graft's ability to grow with the child is advantageous.
- Excellent functional and cosmetic results support its use in young patients.
