Traumatic wound dehiscence after penetrating keratoplasty-a cause for concern.

Aim We report the incidence, causes, characteristics, and the outcome of traumatic comeal graft ruptures in a tertiary referral centre in the UK. Method A retrospective analysis of all graft ruptures secondary to trauma that were treated at our centre between 1999 and 2005 was undertaken. Statistical analysis of possible prognostic factors was undertaken using the Fisher's test. Results Nineteen eyes in 18 patients sustained eye trauma resulting in graft rupture (median age of 53 years; range 27-82; 15 men and four women). Seventeen cases were accidental and two were from violence. The median time interval between grafting and rupture was 8.3 months (range 3 days to 15 years). The 6-year incidence was 3.8%. All graft ruptures occurred at the host-graft junction and ranged from 45 to 270°. Iris prolapse/loss was noticed in 89% and lens loss in 53%. The most common posterior segment complication was vitreous loss (74%), followed by vitreous haemorrhage (32%) and retinal detachment (21%). Grafts with 180° or more of dehiscence were more likely to fail (P< 0.001), had more extensive posterior segment damage, and a poorer visual outcome. Grafts without sutures had a more extensive dehiscence (P<0.01). Final visual acuity was worse than 6/60 in 58%. Conclusions The risk of traumatic comeal graft rupture is significant and is associated with a poor visual outcome. This fact needs to be clearly emphasised during preoperative counselling and protective measures encouraged.