Hydroxyapatite orbital implant exposure in children.

PURPOSE: Hydroxyapatite orbital implants are buried implants that may be integrated into the overlying prosthesis after enucleation. We report problems encountered using these implants during a 14-year period in a pediatric population. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of a pediatric population from 1987 through 2001. RESULTS: Indications for enucleation (N = 19) included retinoblastoma (n =17), persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous (n =1), and painful blind eye (n =1). Conjunctival erosion (36.84%) and consequent implant exposure (15.70%) were the main problems identified in this study. There were no cases of orbital infection. Management included resuturing and scleral patching. CONCLUSION: Conjunctival erosion of hydroxyapatite implants contributed to significant morbidity in 19 children who underwent enucleation and hydroxyapatite orbital implant.