Complications of Hydroxyapatite Orbital Implants and Analysis of the Causes

Objective To analyse the complications of porous hydroxyapatite orbital implants and the causes leading to the development of these complications. Method A total of 320 cases of hydroxyapatite sphere orbital implantation were reviewed retrospectively, and follow up from six months to four years. Results Forty six of them developed complications (14 4%), of which forty-one cases had implant exposure, two cases had implant malposition, other complications included chronic implant infection, conjunctival granuloma and conjunctival thinning. Exposure of the implant occurred from 7 days to 6 months after surgery. The size of exposure ranged from 2 mm to 15mm. Conclusion The most frequent complication of hydroxyapatite sphere orbital implantation is implant exposure. Several factors, which affect the occurrence of complications, include previous ocular history, exclusion and dissolution of the homologous sclera wrapping implant, surgical technique and radiation after implantation.