Buried orbital implant with extraconjunctival extension.

THE diversity of types of orbital implants suggests that the ideal one is still to be found. In the present stage of our knowledge it appears that the best retained are those which are completely buried. On the other hand the movements of the artificial eye are more natural if there is direct contact between implant and prosthesis. Work on the implant described below was begun in 1953 at the Coventry and Warwickshire Hospital and continued at the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. To the two essential qualities of an orbital implant, good retention and satisfactory cosmetic result, are added comparative simplicity in use and the possibility of using the model in every case of enucleation, including those of suspected intra-ocular neoplasm. Construction The implant consists of a main body made of transparent acrylic material, perforated cross-wise horizontally, and having four gold wire prongs projecting forward to form a rectangle. The prongs serve as a support and spring lock for a round acrylic platform, containing in its front surface a rectangular hole into which fits the peg of the prosthesis. One side of the body and the corresponding side of the platform are marked with pink acrylic to ensure the proper fitting of the spring lock (Figs 1, 2, and 3).