Premium
Prosthetic conformers: a step towards improved rehabilitation of enucleated children
Author(s) -
Vincent Andrea L,
Webb MichaelCF,
Gallie BrendaL,
Héon Elise
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
clinical and experimental ophthalmology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.3
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1442-9071
pISSN - 1442-6404
DOI - 10.1046/j.1442-9071.2002.00472.x
Subject(s) - medicine , cosmesis , conformational isomerism , enucleation , rehabilitation , population , surgery , physical therapy , chemistry , environmental health , organic chemistry , molecule
Enucleation in children is distressing for families, particularly because of concerns of cosmesis. In the last 2 years the authors have used painted conformers instead of clear conformers to make the postoperative healing and rehabilitation period easier on the families. A set of six prosthetic conformers (small, medium and large; blue and brown) was available in the operating room. An appropriately sized and colour‐matched conformer was placed in the socket at the end of surgery and kept for an average of 4−6 weeks. This decreased the psychological impact of enucleation, yet achieved the goals of an ideal conformer allowing optimal wound healing without pressure to fit a permanent individualized prosthesis earlier than 6 weeks after surgery. The acceptance of families to prosthetic conformers in this paediatric population has been very positive, improving rehabilitation of the family and the enucleated child.