The use of autologous autoclaved bone in orbital reconstruction after exenteration for invasive cutaneous carcinoma

Abstract

PURPOSE To describe a technique for reconstructing the orbital bony architecture after invasion by tumour. METHODS Orbital bone invaded by tumour was osteotomized (post-exenteration), autoclaved to remove tumour cells, and then refixated in order to re-establish the normal orbital anatomy. RESULTS Despite some shrinkage of the bone fragment in the autoclaving process, after refixation the contour and topography of the bony orbit was essentially normal. CONCLUSION Autoclaved bone can be used to reconstruct the exenterated orbit; it is a fast and technically simple strategy for maintaining orbital anatomy when faced with bony invasion by tumour.