INSUFFICIENCY OF A FRONTALIS LOOP

After 13.5 years in vivo a 2-0 Terylene(R) frontalis loop was excised because of an insufficiency. Histology showed a persisting giant cell reaction while lymphocytes were almost totally absent. The fibrils of thr suture seemed to he intact. However, they were separated by ingrow ing connective tissue which, on theoretical grounds, should improve th e function of the frontal muscle on the upper eyelid. Therefore, insuf ficiency of the loop was probably caused by the (subclinical) foreign body reaction or the long-lasting mechanical stress leading to tissue damage.