Evaluation of efficacy and complications: Primary pediatric orbital implants after enucleation

Background: Orbital implants are used routinely in pediatric patients at the time of enucleation. Complications, such as exposure, ptosis, and infection, may occur after implantation. Controversy continues regarding the rate of complications with newer implants in the pediatric population. Objective: To examine the effects of orbital implants on children whose eyes have been enucleated. Methods: Records of orbital implantation after enucleation performed by 5 surgeons on 120 pediatric patients (123 eyes) over a 10.5-year period were reviewed retrospectively. Demographic data, ocular diagnosis, prior ophthalmic surgery, implant characteristics, and postoperative complications were described using a standardized format for all patients, with a minimum of 6 months of follow-up (mean, 3 years). Results: Complications were observed in 7 eyes (5.7%). Implant exposure (1 [0.8%]), implant extrusion (0 [0%]), and implant migration (3 [2.4%]) were rare. One hundred eighteen eyes (96%) had good cosmesis and 120 (98%) had good motility. Conclusions: Orbital implantation after enucleation is successful in the pediatric population. Complications are minimal. Hydroxyapatite implants were not associated with unacceptable complications in this pediatric population.