P. Martin et R. Ghabrial, REPAIR OF EXPOSED HYDROXYAPATITE ORBITAL IMPLANT BY A TARSOCONJUNCTIVAL PEDICLE FLAP, Ophthalmology (Rochester, Minn.), 105(9), 1998, pp. 1694-1697
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.