The use of rectus abdominis sheath for wrapping of the hydroxyapatite orbital implants

Because of the decreasing availability of whole eye donation, the source of banked sclera is becoming less available. We used autogenous Rectus abdomi nis sheath (RAS) as an alternative to banked sclera in wrapping the hydroxy apatite (HA)orbital implant. Five anophthalmic patients were included in th is study from July 1994 to December 1997. Identical surgical methods were u sed in every case. The average follow-up time was 18.4 months. The motility associated with sheath-wrapped HA implants was excellent and good vascular ingrowth was found in each patient during peg drilling. The complications are minimal in all the cases. Use of RAS as wrapping material for HA orbita l implant has promising results. The RAS served as a practical substitute f or banked donor sclera.