Porous Polyethylene in the Repair of Late Posttraumatic Enophthalmos

ABSTRACT

Traumatic enophthalmos has been denonstrated to be the result of enlargement of the bony orbit, loss or displacement of the ligamentous support, posttraumatic fat atrophy, and cicartricial contraction of the retrobulbar tisses. To correct traumatic enophthalmos, freeing of incarcerated orbital contents combined with reduction of bony volume and reconstruction of suspensory support of the globe is necessary. We repaired late posttraumatic enophthalmos in seven patients by inserting porous polyethylene implants. Several sheets of porous polyethylene, 0.85, 1.5, 3.0mm thick in stacks, were used to bridge bony defects and augment orbital volume according to the degree of enophthalmos. Enophthalmos, globe dystopia, and motility disturbances were ameliorated with acceptable appearance in all cases without any severe complications. In conclusion, insertion of porous polyethylene implants is a relativley simple, safe and efficient technique in repairing late posttraumatic enophthalmos.