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Published on: May 23, 2020
Cranioplasty with custom-made implants: analyzing the cases of 10 patients
Horatiu Rotaru1, Horatiu Stan, Ioan Stefan Florian
1Department of Craniomaxillofacial Surgery, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
Purpose:
The aim of this study was to assess quantitatively whether a symmetric reconstruction of the calvaria could be achieved using 3-dimensional (3D) custom-made implants and to examine any complications caused by the cranioplasty.
Patients And Methods:
Custom-made cranial implants were produced using data obtained from computed tomographic scanning of the defect using computer-aided design and rapid prototyping techniques. Polymethylmethacrylate was used as the reconstruction material and the implant was cast from a silicone rubber mold. These implants were used in 10 patients (9 men and 1 woman) who previously received a craniectomy. The symmetry gained after cranioplasty was quantified by volumetric analysis using 3D reconstructed postoperative computed tomographic imaging. Any complications after cranioplasty also were recorded.
Results:
The average follow-up was 42.5 months (range, 7 to 85 mo). The esthetic appearance of all patients was much improved. When the volume of the reconstructed right calvaria was compared with the left calvaria, the difference was not statistically significant (P > .05). There were 2 cases of complications. One exhibited a transient seroma collection. Another had a wrinkle formation in the forehead. No infectious episodes or signs of plate rejection were encountered.
Conclusions:
The custom-made implants for cranioplasty showed a significant improvement in morphology. The implants may be very useful for repairing large and complex-shaped cranial defects. The technique may be useful for the bone reconstruction of other sites.
