Osteo-Odonto-Keratoprosthesis: A Human Model of Autotransplant

Abstract

We evaluated the microscopical changes that occurred when bone and dental tissue were exposed to such a foreign environment as the ocular surface and anterior chamber in 17 osteo-odonto-keratoprostheses removed from the recipient's eye after 1 to 20 years. Histochemical methods were performed to demonstrate elastic and precursor fibers, while immunohistochemical procedures were used to study the distribution of collagen types I to VI. Islands of heterotopic, newly formed bone were observed in the dentin and the periodontal space, leading to focal dentoalveolar ankylosis. Remodelling and disappearance of the periodontal ligament was never diffuse.

KEYWORDS:

• osteo-odonto-keratoprosthesis
• bone remodelling
• histology
• extracellular matrix