ORBITAL VOLUME AUGMENTATION WITH SUBPERIOSTEAL ROOM-TEMPERATURE VULCANIZED SILICONE IMPLANTS - A CLINICAL AND HISTOPATHOLOGIC STUDY

Enophthalmos, a clinical feature of the anophthalmic orbit, often prod uces a considerable cosmetic deformity. Management of this condition i ncludes surgical volume augmentation with orbital implants. Several ty pes of materials with different shapes have been used with variable su ccess rates. Between 1984 and 1990, we treated 84 anophthalmic patient s with room temperature vulcanized (RTV) subperiosteal silicone implan ts. Adequate volume augmentation and correction of the apparent enopht halmos was achieved in 75 patients. Extended patient follow-up, analys is of data and results, histopathologic assessment of implant capsules , and management of complications have provided a unique opportunity t o study the efficacy of the surgery. We present our experience in the management of this condition.