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Medpor lower eyelid spacer: does it biointegrate?
Ioannis Mavrikakis1, Nick Francis, Cornelia Poitelea
1Sussex Eye Hospital, Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals, Brighton, UK. jmavrikakis@yahoo.com
Orbit (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
|February 21, 2009
Summary
Histopathologic analysis of explanted Medpor lower eyelid spacers (LES) reveals biointegration with fibrosis and vascularization. Despite this, complications like exposure and poor contour suggest cautious use of these implants.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmic plastic surgery
- Biomaterials science
- Histopathology
Background:
- Lower eyelid retraction presents significant reconstructive challenges.
- Medpor lower eyelid spacers (LES) are utilized for correction.
- Limited histopathologic data exists for explanted Medpor LES.
Observation:
- Four cases of Medpor LES explantation are presented.
- Indications included thyroid orbitopathy, facial nerve palsy, and post-enucleation socket syndrome.
- Implants were removed 6 months to 2 years post-insertion due to complications.
Findings:
- Histopathology revealed fibrosis and vascularization within explanted Medpor LES.
- Immunohistochemistry confirmed vascularization via Factor VIII and CD34 markers.
- Clinical appearance at explantation did not always correlate with vascularization.
Implications:
- Medpor LES demonstrates biointegration potential in the lower eyelid.
- Complications such as exposure, instability, and contour issues necessitate judicious use.
- Further research is needed to optimize outcomes with porous polyethylene implants.
