Extensive orbital inflammation in an anophthalmic socket: is the Bioceramic implant a bystander or a participant?

Abstract

Purpose: Porous orbital implants are commonly used materials following enucleation or evisceration. Implant-associated inflammation is a rare but serious complication which may necessitate explantation. Observations: We report a case of a patient who developed extensive orbital inflammation six months after implantation of a vicryl (polyglactin 910) mesh-wrapped Bioceramic (aluminum oxide) spherical implant. An orbital biopsy demonstrated an extensive fibroinflammatory reaction with multinucleated giant cells. Removal of the implant resulted in complete resolution of symptoms. Conclusions and importance: We surmise that the Bioceramic implant played a significant contributory role in this patient's orbital inflammation, a complication which has not been described previously.

Keywords

• Bioceramic implant
• Aluminum oxide
• Orbital inflammation