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

Abstract

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.