Inflammatory nasal polyps: an unusual late complication of Silastic sheet repair of orbital floor fracture

Abstract

Silastic implants are very widely used in surgical practice and are considered to be relatively inert. They do however present with complications, including infection, local foreign body inflammatory response, calcification, migration and failure of repair of the defect, which sometimes may necessitate explantation. Head and neck implants do present a special case, as complications can cause obstruction and disruption of function in small cavities. A pertinent history, clinical review and computed tomography scan are usually invaluable in obtaining a diagnosis. We present a rare case of migrated Silastic orbital sheet, presenting as a nasal polyp and causing maxillary antral pain and infection. A detailed search of the medical literature revealed no other such case.