Prosthetic Rehabilitation in a Patient With Orbital Exenteration: The First Hybrid System With Miniplates and Magnetic Retention Described in Humans

The authors report the case of an 80-year-old male patient who had a modified left orbit exenteration with preservation of myocutaneus eyelid flap. The radical surgical treatment was performed due to high-grade recurrent pleomorphic conjunctival sarcoma with extension to the sclera and medial orbit. Five previous resection surgeries were performed, until the exenteration was considered. Prosthetic rehabilitation was planned integrating interdisciplinary biomedical knowledge, to create a new hybrid osteointegrated method with costume-made titanium miniplates and magnetic retention. During the second-year follow up, the system appeared osteointegrated. No failures from the retention mechanism have been reported. The patient reported to have a functional role inside and outside his house. Social interactions have not been limited by the anatomical facial defect. This new hybrid system is a feasible option to rehabilitate patients with orbital or facial defects, even for the elderly.