USE OF PROPLAST-II AS A SUBPERIOSTEAL IMPLANT FOR THE CORRECTION OF ANOPHTHALMIC ENOPHTHALMOS

Background-A variety of autogenous and alloplastic materials have been used as subperiosteal implants to correct anophthalmic enophthalmos. Proplast II is a synthetic porous composite of Teflon polymer and alum ina. Proplast II offers a number of advantages over other commonly use d alloplastic materials such as silicone and polymethyl methacrylate. It is light, porous, resilient, malleable, and easy to shape. It can b e readily sterilised after shaping. It has been found to integrate wit h the surrounding tissues, thereby minimising the risk of subsequent i mplant migration and extrusion. Methods-Proplast II was used as a subp eriosteal implant in a total of 15 anophthalmic patients during the pe riod June 1990 to March 1994. The indication for this procedure in all patients was poor orbital volume replacement despite the prior insert ion of an adequately sized spherical socket implant. Results-The resul ts were excellent with a good correction of preoperative upper eyelid sulcus deformity. There were no operative complications nor any seriou s postoperative complications. The implants were well tolerated. Concl usion-Proplast II can be highly recommended for use as a subperiosteal implant.