Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 25, 2026
13:16
Computed Tomography and Optical Imaging of Osteogenesis-angiogenesis Coupling to Assess Integration of Cranial Bone Autografts and Allografts
Published on: December 22, 2015
A histopathologic study of orbital implant vascularization
Katya Tambe1, Sreekumari Pushpoth, Hardeep S Mudhar
1Wolverhampton and Midland Counties Eye Infirmary, New Cross Hospital, Wolverhampton.
Orbit (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
|February 21, 2009
Summary
Vascularization of porous polyethylene (PP) and hydroxyapatite (HA) orbital implants was assessed. All explanted implants showed complete vascularization, regardless of surgical method (enucleation vs. evisceration).
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Biomaterials Science
- Histopathology
Background:
- Orbital implants made of porous polyethylene (PP) and hydroxyapatite (HA) are used to replace the volume of the eye after enucleation or evisceration.
- Assessing the vascularization of these implants is crucial for understanding their integration and long-term success.
Purpose of the Study:
- To histopathologically evaluate the vascularization extent and pattern in explanted PP and HA orbital implants.
- To compare vascularization between PP implants retrieved after enucleation versus evisceration.
Main Methods:
- A comparative case series of six explanted orbital implants (11 months to 5 years, 4 months post-implantation).
- Histopathological examination using various stains after complete decalcification.
Main Results:
- All six implants demonstrated complete vascularization up to the core.
- Chronic inflammation was observed in all specimens; acute inflammation and necrosis were present at exposure sites.
- Gram-positive cocci were identified in two infected implants; foreign-body giant cells and macrophages were also noted.
Conclusions:
- Complete vascularization of PP and HA orbital implants was confirmed histopathologically.
- Chronic inflammation suggests a foreign body reaction to the implant material.
- Scleral integrity did not hinder implant vascularization in eviscerated specimens, with no significant difference observed between enucleated and eviscerated implants.
