Development of a poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) orbital implant allowing direct muscle attachment and tissue ingrowth

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.