Problems associated with porous orbital implants

Purpose. To assess the problems and complications associated with the use of 120 synthetic hydroxyapatite (HA) implants and contrast them to other currently available porous orbital implants (Bio-Eye®, Molteno® M-Sphere TM, Brazilian HA, Chinese HA, Medpore TM – porous polyethylene and Bioceramic implants). Methods. The authors analyzed all of the problems and/or complications associated with the use of a synthetic hydroxyapatite implant (FCI 3) in 120 patients by one surgeon over 4 years. The following data were recorded: age, type of surgery performed, size of implant used, peg system used, follow-up duration, time of pegging, problems and/or complications encountered, and treatment. Results. Thirteen patients were lost to follow up after 3 months, leaving 107 patients who were followed from 4 to 48 months (average 29 months). Discharge occurred in 21 (19.6%) patients, implant exposure in 3 (2.8%), socket discomfort in 2 (1.9%), trochleitis in 2 (1.9%), conjunctival thinning in 1 (0.93%), pyogenic granu...