Pericranium grafts for exposed orbital implants

Abstract

<h4>Purpose</h4>To report the use of autologous pericranium grafts to cover exposed orbital implants.<h4>Methods</h4>A two-center consecutive case series of exposed orbital implants covered with autologous pericranium grafts. A patch of pericranium was harvested from the parieto-occipital region and was placed over the implant within a pocket between the implant and the Tenon capsule, followed by layered closure of Tenon and conjunctiva.<h4>Results</h4>Four patients (2 women, 2 men) with a mean age of 37 years (range, 26 to 45 years) were included in the study. The mean follow-up period was 9.5 months (range, 7 to 12 months). In all cases, there was no recurrence of exposure and no donor site morbidity. A small pyogenic granuloma, arising from the conjunctival suture line, developed in one case.<h4>Conclusions</h4>Autologous pericranium is a useful covering material for exposed orbital implants and may be used as an alternative to frontal periosteum.