Enucleation and the hydroxyapatite orbital implant.

Hydroxyapatite is a natural, porous material that allows the recipient's blood vessels and fibrous tissues to grow onto the implant, thus becoming a "living" portion of the orbital tissues. Natural eye movement, resistance to extrusions, rare complications, and flexibility in fitting the socket are the reasons oculoplastic surgeons are using the hydroxyapatite implant. Hydroxyapatite spheres are contraindicated in situations where other types of orbital implants are contraindicated; ie, severe trauma with possible orbital infection orbits that have poor vascularization and healing qualities, such as after irradiation, and with orbital infection.