Pericranium grafts for exposed orbital implants.

PURPOSE: To report the use of autologous pericranium grafts to cover exposed orbital implants.

METHODS

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.

RESULTS

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.

CONCLUSIONS

Autologous pericranium is a useful covering material for exposed orbital implants and may be used as an alternative to frontal periosteum.