Pericranium grafts for exposed orbital implants: An observational case-series study

OBJECTIVE:The aim of this article is to highlight our experience with autologous pericranium graft in wide exposures (≥3 mm). The pericranium graft was taken from the parietal region of the scalp in six consecutive clinical cases of orbital implant exposure in anophthalmic sockets. MATERIAL AND METHODS:This is a prospective, descriptive case series study of patients who had orbital implant exposures and were treated with autologous pericranium graft. RESULTS:The average postoperative follow-up period was 10 months, and the mean time for conjunctivalization of the graft was 3 months. In all cases, complete conjunctivalization was achieved, and no re-exposure of the implant was observed. CONCLUSIONS:The pericranium graft from the parietal region is an effective technique to treat both small and large orbital implant exposures with no comorbidity. Time to complete conjunctivalization is similar to that of other autologous grafts. It is a simple and convenient method for the oculoplastic surgeon that constitutes a good alternative for covering anophthalmic cavities. Further studies with more cases and longer follow-up are required to confirm the effectiveness of this technique.