Localization of extraocular muscles during secondary orbital implantation surgery: the tunnel technique: experience in 100 patients.

PURPOSE: To describe a technique for localizing extraocular muscles during secondary orbital implantation and to report the author's experience in 100 consecutive cases.

DESIGN: Retrospective, noncomparative, consecutive case series.

PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of the charts from one surgeon's practice of 100 consecutive patients who received a secondary porous orbital implant for anophthalmic socket rehabilitation. The following data were recorded: age, gender, reason for seeking secondary implantation, type of implant used, size and style of implant used, number of muscles localized, follow-up duration, and problems encountered and their treatment. Preoperative and postoperative photographs, implant motility, prosthetic motility, and overall impressions (by patient and physician) of the surgical outcome were analyzed.

RESULTS: The 100 patients (66 males and 34 females, with a mean age of 38.9 years) were followed up for an average of 16.9 months (range, 4-60 months). All 4 rectus muscles were identified in 93 patients, 3 recti were identified in 6 patients, and 2 recti were identified in 1 patient. In 2 patients, the levator muscle mistakenly was thought to be the superior rectus muscle and was connected to the implant. Reconstructive surgical procedures were required in both cases. At final follow-up, 98% of patients believed that they had benefited from surgery, with an improved prosthetic appearance, improved symmetry between the 2 eyes, improved comfort, better prosthetic motility, or a combination thereof. Compared with the results of the preoperative examination, implant and prosthetic motility was improved in 92% to 98% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS: The tunnel technique allows successful localization of extraocular muscles during secondary orbital implant surgery in a high percentage of patients. Surgical outcomes were excellent, with few complications and high patient satisfaction.