Repair of exposed hydroxyapatite orbital implant by a tarsoconjunctival pedicle flap.

Abstract

This study aimed to determine a surgical method of management of exposed hydroxyapatite orbital implants. Noncomparative small case series. Four patients with exposures of hydroxyapatite orbital implants are described. A superiorly based tarsoconjunctival pedicle flap is fashioned from the upper eyelid; this flap is inverted and placed over the scleral-covered, exposed hydroxyapatite orbital implant. The flap is divided as a second-stage procedure 4 weeks later. Mucosal coverage of the previously exposed orbital implant was measured. Four cases are presented with excellent postoperative results at 3 to 18 months' follow-up. A suitably fashioned pedicle flap from the upper eyelid is an effective method of managing exposed hydroxyapatite orbital implants.