Cr. Hicks et al., Development of a poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) orbital implant allowing direct muscle attachment and tissue ingrowth, OPHTHAL PL, 15(5), 1999, pp. 326-332
Purpose: To develop a poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) orbital implant tha
t allows tissue ingrowth and direct muscle attachment to minimize the risk
of extrusion and to enhance cosmesis.
Methods: Assessment of clinical outcomes and histologic findings after impl
antation of 18 prototype prostheses into rabbits. The implants were not wra
pped with other tissues or materials.
Results: One case of infection was observed but there were no extrusions, w
ith up to 21 months follow-up. Biocolonization was confirmed histologically
. Good movement was observed when a cosmetic shell was fitted.
Conclusions: The prototype prosthesis appears promising, with particular ad
vantages being the direct attachment of extraocular muscles, good cosmesis
and movement, and a low complication rate in this pilot study.