The use of porous granular hydroxyapatite in secondary orbitocranial reconstruction

The search for the ideal bone-graft substitute has been the focus of many research and clinical studies. Hydroxyapatite is one such material that combines osseointegration with maintenance of implant volume and excellent durability. We present our experience in 29 patients ranging in age from 3 to 22 years (mean age 10.5 years) who underwent secondary orbitocranial reconstruction of large contour defects utilizing porous granular hydroxyapatite. Follow-up ranges from 6 to 72 months (mean 30 months). Indications for secondary surgery included residual bony contour defects of the frontal bone, temporal areas, and superior orbital rims that were present 12 months or more after initial surgery. There was one infection secondary to a chronic seroma necessitating removal of the porous hydroxyapatite, and one patient required revision for underfilling and another for overfilling. Excellent permanent contour improvement was obtained with a smooth skin surface in the remainder of our patients. The contour corrections have been long lasting, without evidence of porous hydroxyapatite resorption or migration.