Complications associated with alloplastic implants used in orbital fracture repair.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of orbital wall fractures involves observation and/or surgical reduction with repositioning of herniated orbital tissues. To prevent reherniation of tissue and development of enophthalmos, the orbital floor or wall defect is commonly covered with an alloplastic implant. Complications associated with these implants are infrequent and generally appear as isolated case reports.

METHODS: The authors reviewed the files of four consultative oculoplastic surgeons and searched for individuals with complications secondary to their alloplastic implants used during orbital fracture repair.

FINDINGS: Seventeen patients were identified with a variety of complications related to their alloplastic implant.

CONCLUSION: Although these implants are relatively inert and develop a fibrous capsule walling them off from the surrounding orbit, they remain foreign bodies and are thus subject to possible complications at any time. The authors review the spectrum of complications occurring with various alloplastic implants.