Secondary infection affecting one of two simultaneously placed orbital wall implants

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Otorhinolaryngology
• Plastic Surgery

Background:

• Traumatic orbital injuries in children require surgical reconstruction.
• Nylon foil and porous polyethylene implants are used for orbital reconstruction.
• Post-surgical infections can complicate orbital implant outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of late-onset sinusitis and implant infection after orbital reconstruction.
• To describe the management and outcome of an infected orbital implant in a pediatric patient.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 10-year-old boy with traumatic right orbital injury.
• Repair using nylon foil and porous polyethylene orbital implant.
• Diagnosis and management of post-operative maxillary and ethmoid sinusitis with implant infection.

Main Results:

• The patient developed sinusitis and infection of the nylon foil plate three years after initial surgery.
• Surgical removal of the infected nylon foil plate was performed.
• Complete resolution of sinusitis and infection was achieved post-explantation.

Conclusions:

• Late-onset infection of nylon foil orbital implants can occur.
• Infection of orbital implants may necessitate removal for complete recovery.
• This case highlights the importance of monitoring for late complications following orbital reconstruction.