Malpositioned orbital implants: indications for implant removal and secondary reconstructive techniques - Report - MDSpire

Malpositioned orbital implants: indications for implant removal and secondary reconstructive techniques

  • By

  • Sara M. Hussein

  • Basel A. Sharaf

  • Krishna Sinha

  • Andrew J. Moyo

  • Jonathan M. Morris

  • Lilly H. Wagner

  • July 17, 2026

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Clinical Report: Revising Malpositioned Orbital Implants: Criteria for Removal

Background

Malpositioned orbital implants can lead to significant postoperative complications, including diplopia and globe malposition. Understanding the criteria for revision surgery is crucial for optimizing patient care and minimizing morbidity.

Data Highlights

ParameterFindings
Patients7
Female Patients5 (71.4%)
Median Age60 years (range 29–78)
Common SymptomsDiplopia (5/7, 71.4%), Pain/Swelling (5/7, 71.4%)
CT FindingsImplant protrusion (4/7, 57.1%), Inflammatory collections (3/7, 42.9%)
Explantation4 patients (57.1%)
Secondary Reconstruction3 patients (42.9%)
Symptom ImprovementDiplopia improved in 4/5 affected patients (80%)

Key Findings

  • 71.4% of patients were female, with a median age of 60 years.
  • Diplopia and pain/swelling were the most common presenting symptoms (71.4%).
  • CT imaging revealed implant protrusion in 57.1% of cases.
  • 57.1% of patients underwent explantation alone, while 42.9% had secondary reconstruction.
  • 80% of patients with diplopia experienced improvement or resolution post-surgery.

Clinical Implications

A multidisciplinary approach involving plastic/reconstructive and oculoplastic surgeons is essential for managing malpositioned orbital implants. Individualized surgical strategies based on clinical presentations and imaging findings can lead to favorable outcomes.

Conclusion

The management of malpositioned orbital implants requires careful consideration of individual patient factors and a collaborative surgical approach to achieve optimal results.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Acta Neurochirurgica, Deciding when and when not to reconstruct the orbit: How I do it, 2026
  2. Ophthalmology Management, Fine Points for Explanting IOLs, 2007
  3. Three-Dimensional Printing Facilitated Cranio-Orbital Reconstruction Using Customized Polyetheretherketone Implants Following Benign Spheno-Orbital Tumor Resection, 2024
  4. ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Orbital Imaging and Vision Loss-Child, 2024
  5. Orbital Patient-Specific (Customized) Implants: A Report by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, 2025
  6. Effects of Lateral Orbital Rim Resection on Intraorbital Pressure in Endoscopic Trans-Orbital Approaches: A Cadaver Study
  7. ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Orbital Imaging and Vision Loss-Child - PubMed
  8. Orbital Patient-Specific (Customized) Implants: A Report by the American Academy of Ophthalmology - PubMed
  9. Frontiers | Malpositioned orbital implants: indications for implant removal and secondary reconstructive techniques

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