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Is polymethylmethacrylate reliable and practical in full-thickness cranial defect reconstructions?
Mithat Akan1, Mustafa Karaca, Güniz Eker
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Dr Lutfi Kirdar Kartal Education and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.
The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery
|July 21, 2011
Summary
Polymethylmethacrylate cranioplasty effectively repairs cranial defects using various soft tissue techniques. This method offers durable, cost-effective reconstruction with minimal complications for patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Plastic Surgery
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Full-thickness cranial defects pose significant reconstructive challenges.
- Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is a commonly used biomaterial for cranioplasty.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of PMMA cranioplasty with diverse soft tissue coverage for cranial defects.
- To compare outcomes with existing literature and present a simple implant premolding technique.
Main Methods:
- Seventeen patients with cranial defects underwent PMMA cranioplasty.
- Implant premolding was utilized in 10 cases.
- Soft tissue coverage involved primary closure, local flaps, or free flaps.
Main Results:
- Successful reconstruction with good contour restoration in 15 out of 17 patients.
- Only one implant exposure occurred; no other early or late complications were noted.
- Effective combination of PMMA cranioplasty and various soft tissue coverage techniques was achieved.
Conclusions:
- PMMA is a cost-effective and durable material for full-thickness calvarial defect reconstruction.
- PMMA cranioplasty is compatible with most soft tissue coverage methods, excluding skin grafting.
- Simple premolding techniques aid defect matching and mitigate exothermic reaction risks.