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

Abstract

<h4>Purpose</h4>Porous orbital implants are commonly used materials following enucleation or evisceration. Implant-associated inflammation is a rare but serious complication which may necessitate explantation.<h4>Observations</h4>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.<h4>Conclusions and importance</h4>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.