[Eye socket reconstruction with free radial forearm flap in anophthalmic orbital syndrome and contracted eye socket].

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effect of eye socket reconstruction with free radial forearm flap.

METHODS

Reconstructive procedures were performed in 7 patients underwent orbital exenteration for malignant tumors and in 9 patients underwent enucleation and postoperative irradiation of the orbit for the treatment of retinoblastoma. These patients were suffered from anophthalmic orbital syndrome and contractive eye socket. A microvascular surgical technique with a free radial forearm flap was adopted. Hydroxyapatite implant was inserted as an intraorbital implantation.

RESULTS

All patients were followed up for 6 months to 5 years and good cosmetic results were obtained. A large eye socket was achieved permanently. Artificial eye could be fitted with satisfactory results.

CONCLUSION

Free radial forearm flap transplantation offers a useful option for the treatment of anophthalmic orbital syndrome.