Histopathologic Comparison of Vascularization between Dacron and Donor Sclera as Wrapping Material in Hydroxyapatite Implantation

ABSTRACT

Recently, a hydroxyapatite sphere has been increasingly used as a buried integrated orbital implant for the great improved motility of the prosthesis after enucleation. To allow more rapid ascess of vasculature into the hydroxyapatite implant, Dacron as a new synthetic wrapping material of the implant for anophthalmic sockets had been used and compared histologically with donor sclera in rabbits. At 4 weeks after implantation, fibrovascular ingrowth was found mainly near the scleral windows, where fibrosis extended 2 mm centrally in scleral-wrapped implants. In Contrast, in Dacron-wrapped implants, there was extensive fibrovascular infiltration through Dacron filaments and windows as well, making the hydroxyapatite sphere completely invested with fibrovascular tissue to the center within 4 weeks of implantation. Thus, Dacron as a new wrapping material appears to allow a more rapid vascularization into the hydroxyapatite implant than other collagen material without any serious complications, resulting in early rehabilitation with an artificial eye.