Effect of synthetic bone glass particulate on the fibrovascularization of porous polyethylene orbital implants.

PURPOSE

To determine the effects of synthetic bone glass particulate (BG) on the fibrovascular ingrowth that occurs in porous polyethylene orbital implants (PP).

METHODS

Forty-eight rabbits were divided into 4 groups, according to the different surgical techniques and implanted materials used. Group 1 was enucleated and implanted with PP, group 2 underwent evisceration and was implanted with PP, group 3 was enucleated and implanted with BG, and group 4 underwent evisceration and was implanted with BG. All of the implants in each group were histologically assessed at postoperative weeks 1, 2, 4, and 8.

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant difference with regard to fibrovascular ingrowth in the 4 groups. A greater number of vessels per unit area and mature fibrous tissue were found in the outermost zone for a longer time after implantation, but we found no statistically significant differences among the 4 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that inclusion of synthetic bone glass particulate did not result in any significant increases in the rates of fibrovascular ingrowth in porous polyethylene orbital implants in rabbits.