Experimental evaluation of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene for reconstruction of orbital floor defects.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluates the efficacy of a medical grade expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE) sheet for reconstruction of the orbital floor.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Orbital floor defects were created in 10 domestic sheep and reconstructed with the 1-mm thick e-PTFE sheet. The surgical sites were evaluated for the development of enophthalmos and biocompatibility at 2 weeks, and at 1-, 2-, 4-, and 6-months intervals.

RESULTS

The results of this indicate that the e-PTFE material has excellent handling characteristics, provides stability to correct surgically created enophthalmos, and causes essentially no foreign body reaction.

CONCLUSION

Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene proved to be an excellent alloplastic material for the repair of orbital floor defects in this experimental study.