We observe discrete differences among the studied materials, with best responses obtained with use of Bioglass(®) 45S5 and single-phase Biosilicate(®). The authors agree these implants might be useful in the management of the anophthalmic socket.
This review focuses on the applications of bioactive glasses and glass‐ceramics in the field of orbital implants for ocular surgery. This use is relatively novel and less popular compared to the applications in orthopedics and dentistry for the repair of bone and teeth. Recent studies have shown the suitability of bioactive glasses and glass‐ceramics in contact with soft tissues for promoting additional effects associated to the release of therapeutic inorganic ions. Specifically, the angiogenic and antibacterial actions that may be elicited by selected glass compositions are highly appealing for the development of new‐generation orbital implants, since improved vascularization and antiseptic properties are the key for a higher success rate of anophthalmic socket procedures. An overall picture of existing orbital implants based on bioactive glasses is here provided, and the further potential and open challenges for future research in this field are highlighted and discussed.
The ideal implant for anophthalmic socket reconstruction has yet to be developed. Biosilicate, a highly bioactive glass-ceramic, has been used in the composition of conical implants, which were initially tested in rabbit orbits with excellent results. However, the use of this material and the conical shape of the implants require further study in the human anophthalmic socket. Thus, we propose the use of a new conical implant composed of Biosilicate for orbital volume augmentation in anophthalmic sockets. This prospective, randomized study included 45 patients receiving conical implants composed of either Biosilicate or polymethylmethacrylate (control). Patients were evaluated clinically before and 7, 30, 60, 120, and 180 days after implantation. Systemic evaluations, laboratory tests, and computed tomography of the orbits were performed preoperatively and 180 days postoperatively. Both groups had good outcomes with no significant infectious or inflammatory processes. Only 1 patient, in the Biosilicate group, had early implant extrusion. Laboratory tests were normal in both groups. Computed tomography scans showed that the implants in both groups were well positioned. The new conical implant composed of Biosilicate was successfully used for anophthalmic socket reconstruction. This implant may provide a good alternative to the only conical implant currently available on the market, which is composed of porous polyethylene.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.