Evaluation of efficacy and complications - Primary pediatric orbital implants after enucleation

Background: Orbital implants are used routinely in pediatric patients at th e time of enucleation. Complications, such as exposure, ptosis, and infecti on, may occur after implantation. Controversy continues regarding the rate of complications with newer implants in the pediatric population. Objective: To examine the effects of orbital implants on children whose eye s have been enucleated. Methods: Records of orbital implantation after enucleation performed by 5 s urgeons on 120 pediatric patients (123 eyes) over a 10.5-year period were r eviewed retrospectively. Demographic data, ocular diagnosis, prior ophthalm ic surgery, implant characteristics, and postoperative complications were d escribed using a standardized format for all patients, with a minimum of 6 months of follow-up (mean, 3 years). Results: Complications were observed in 7 eyes (5.7%). Implant exposure (1 [0.8%]), implant extrusion (0 [0%]), and implant migration (3 [2.4%]) were rare. One hundred eighteen eyes (96%) had good cosmesis and 120 (98%) had g ood motility. Conclusions: Orbital implantation after enucleation is successful in the pe diatric population. Complications are minimal. Hydroxyapatite implants were not associated with unacceptable complications in this pediatric populatio n.