Orbital growth after unilateral enucleation in infancy without an orbital implant.

PURPOSE To measure the volume of the anophthalmic orbit in adults who had undergone enucleation during infancy and to determine its growth. METHODS The orbital volume in 5 adults who had undergone unilateral enucleation during infancy without an orbital implant was measured on x-ray computed tomography images. Comparisons were made between the anophthalmic and normal sides. In addition, we evaluated the morphology of the orbits showing growth retardation and the association between the prosthesis, if present, and orbital growth. RESULTS In adults who underwent unilateral enucleation as infants, without an orbital implant, orbital growth was more retarded on the anophthalmic side than on the normal side. The difference was most marked in the area corresponding to the equator of the eyeball. This growth retardation was more severe in patients whose prosthesis was not replaced during childhood than in those who had regular replacement of their prosthesis. CONCLUSION For orbital growth in anophthalmic orbits, an intraorbital volume that replaces the eyeball is necessary. An orbital implant at the time of enucleation and the replacement of the prosthesis with growth are important.