THE USE OF SILASTIC AS AN ORBITAL IMPLANT FOR RECONSTRUCTION OF ORBITAL WALL DEFECTS - REVIEW OF 311 CASES TREATED OVER 20 YEARS

Purpose: A retrospective review of silicone rubber (Silastic; Dow Corning, Midland, MI) implants placed in orbits was undertaken. These implants were used to reconstruct defects in the orbital floor and/or walls secondary to trauma, or those created during malar or orbital osteotomies. The purpose of the study was to determine the incidence of removal of these implants from the surgical site. Materials and Methods: The records of 311 patients treated over a 20-year period were reviewed. Of these, 302 had received silastic implants secondary to trauma. Results: Forty-one patients (13%) had their implant removed at a second operation. The reasons for removal included infection, migration of the implant, worsening eye signs such as diplopia, and others. Conclusion: Because there was a clinically significant rate of removal of this material, consideration should be given to the use of other available materials.