Integrated Motile Orbital Implants Based on Ceramic Foam Scaffolds: Preparation and In Vivo Study

Zirconia-alumina ceramic foam scaffolds with a nanocrystalline HAP coating were used for the preparation of integrated motile orbital implants. This study demonstrated that open-cell ceramic foams with enhanced strength-to-density ratio are quite suitable as biocompatible materials for the manufacture of orbital implants for post-enucleation syndrome treatment. In-vivo studies demonstrated that the application of a nanocrystallyne (not sintered) HAP coating facilitated the formation of dense fibrous capsule around the implant as well as the fast tissue ingrowth into the implant’s internal space. Orbital implants with the optimized pore size and HAP content were implanted to the animal’s eye cavity with their fixation to the extraocular muscles, and their motility was ensured.