Posteriorly Displaced Orbital Implant Causing Intractable Anophthalmic Socket Pain

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Neurosurgery
• Pain Management

Background:

• Anophthalmic socket pain is a rare but debilitating complication following enucleation.
• Posterior displacement of orbital implants can lead to nerve compression and persistent pain.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a case of intractable anophthalmic socket pain caused by a posteriorly displaced orbital implant.
• To discuss the suspected etiology and successful surgical management of this rare complication.

Main Methods:

• A case report detailing a patient with severe anophthalmic socket pain.
• Diagnostic assessment of pain localization to V1 and V2 orbitofacial dermatomes.
• Surgical intervention involving removal of the displaced orbital implant and insertion of a dermis fat graft.

Main Results:

• The patient experienced intractable pain localized to the V1 and V2 orbitofacial dermatomes.
• Suspected compression of the frontal and zygomatic branches of the ophthalmic and maxillary nerves.
• Complete alleviation of pain following implant removal and dermis fat graft placement.

Conclusions:

• Posteriorly displaced orbital implants can cause significant anophthalmic socket pain through neural compression.
• Surgical management, including implant repositioning or replacement, is an effective treatment for this condition.
• Dermis fat grafting offers a viable solution for restoring orbital volume and alleviating pain.