[Functional and cosmetic relevance of primary orbital implants].

BACKGROUND

Orbital implants are used to prevent post-enucleation-syndromes and to improve prosthesis motility.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

20 patients without and 32 patients with orbital implants were examined 6 to 14 years after enucleation. Maximum prosthesis motility in 4 directions, width of the palpebral fissure and vertical difference of the eye axis were measured using Kestenbaum glasses. The apex of the prosthesis was measured with a Hertel exophthalmometer. The post-enucleation-syndrome was assessed by a 4 point scale by the investigators.

RESULTS

Post-enucleation-syndromes are significantly (p < 0.01) less pronounced in patients with orbital implants, also prosthesis motility is significantly (p < 0.05) larger. The width of the palpebral fissure and the vertical difference of the eye axis is not significantly (p > 0.05) altered.

CONCLUSION

Primary orbital implants allow for prevention of a post-enucleation-syndrome and a better functional and cosmetic outcome.