REPAIR OF EXPOSED HYDROXYAPATITE ORBITAL IMPLANT BY A TARSOCONJUNCTIVAL PEDICLE FLAP

Objective: This study aimed to determine a surgical method of manageme nt of exposed hydroxyapatite orbital implants. Design: Noncomparative small case series. Participants: Four patients with exposures of hydro xyapatite orbital implants are described. Intervention: A superiorly b ased tarsoconjunctival pedicle flap is fashioned from the upper eyelid ; this flap is inverted and placed over the scleral-covered, exposed h ydroxyapatite orbital implant. The flap is divided as a second-stage p rocedure 4 weeks later. Main Outcome Measure: Mucosal coverage of the previously exposed orbital implant was measured. Results: Four cases a re presented with excellent postoperative results at 3 to 18 months' f ollow-up. Conclusion: A suitably fashioned pedicle flap from the upper eyelid is an effective method of managing exposed hydroxyapatite orbi tal implants.