Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcome of repair of orbital floor defects in patients with resorbable as-polymerized poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) implants and to determine whether these patients showed symptoms that could be indicative of the presence of a late tissue response.
Patients and methods: Six patients (four women, two men; mean age, 39 years; range, 18 to 67 years) treated with PLLA implants for orbital floor fractures were recalled for follow-up examination after a period ranging from 3 1/2 to 6 1/2 years. The examination consisted of an interview and a physical examination, including an ophthalmologic and orthoptic consultation. For evaluation of the orbital tissues, coronal spin echo T1- and T2-weighted magnetic resonance images (MRIs) were made through both orbits.
Results: None of the patients reported any problems in the years preceding the follow-up examination that might have indicated complications. Clinical examination of the operative sites revealed no abnormalities. At ophthalmologic and orthoptic consultation, normal eye function, without diplopia or restriction of motility, was found in all patients. The MRIs showed no indication of an abnormal or increased soft tissue reaction in the orbital region.
Conclusions: Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that PLLA orbital floor implants have the potential for successful use in repair of human orbital floor defects.