Autogenous Temporalis Fascia Graftin Exposure of Hydroxyapatite Implant

ABSTRACT

Hydroxyapatite recently has been used for its excellent results compared with other implant materials, but the tissue breakdown and exposure of the hydroxyapatite implant was reported due to hemorrhage or infection. Five patients with exposed hydroxyapatite implant after evisceration or enucleation were studied.The hydroxyapatite implant exposure occurred in 2 to 8 weeks (mean 4.2 weeks)after implantation.Conjunctival defects with various sizes were noted in all cases and purulent discharge in one case. An autogenous temporalis fascia patch graft was placed instead of preserved sclera or fascia lata for the intensification of the defect area.No reexposure occurred during a follow-up examination and we could keep the implant well in all cases. The temporalis fascia is advantageous over preserved sclera or fascia lata because it is firm and can be easily obtained from the same operative field as the primary surgery.Therefore, it is thought to be suitable for graft material in surgery of the exposed hydroxyapatite.No scars are visible after obtaining temporalis fascia.