THE USE OF POROUS GRANULAR HYDROXYAPATITE IN SECONDARY ORBITOCRANIAL RECONSTRUCTION

The search for the ideal bone-graft substitute has been the focus of m any research and clinical studies. Hydroxyapatite is one such material that combines osseointegration with maintenance of implant volume and excellent durability. We present our experience in 29 patients rangin g in age from 3 to 22 years (mean age 10.5 years) who underwent second ary orbitocranial reconstruction of large contour defects utilizing po rous granular hydroxyapatite. Follow-up ranges from 6 to 72 months (me an 30 months). Indications for secondary surgery included residual bon y contour defects of the frontal bone, temporal areas, and superior or bital rims that were present 12 months or more after initial surgery. There was one infection secondary to a chronic seroma necessitating re moval of the porous hydroxyapatite, and one patient required revision for underfilling and another for overfilling. Excellent permanent cont our improvement was obtained with a smooth skin surface in the remaind er of our patients. The contour corrections have been long lasting, wi thout evidence of porous hydroxyapatite resorption or migration.