Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 20, 2026
Acrylic Resin Molding Based Head Fixation Technique in Rodents
Published on: January 12, 2016
A simplified technique for polymethyl methacrylate cranioplasty: combined cotton stacking and finger fracture method
1Department of Neurosurgery, Taipei City Hospital, Zhong Xiao Branch, Taipei, Taiwan.
Primary Objective:
Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is one of the most frequently used cranioplasty materials. However, limitations exist with PMMA cranioplasty including longer operative time, greater blood loss and a higher infection rate. To reduce these disadvantages, it is proposed to introduce a new surgical method for PMMA cranioplasty.
Research Design:
Retrospective review of nine patients who received nine PMMA implants using combined cotton stacking and finger fracture method from January 2008 to July 2011.
Methods And Procedures:
The definitive height of skull defect was quantified by computer-based image analysis of computed tomography (CT) scans. Aesthetic outcomes as measured by post-reduction radiographs and cranial index of symmetry (CIS), cranial nerve V and VII function and complications (wound infection, hardware extrusions, meningitis, osteomyelitis and brain abscess) were evaluated.
Main Outcomes And Results:
The mean operation time for implant moulding was 24.56 ± 4.6 minutes and 178.0 ± 53 minutes for skin-to-skin. Average blood loss was 169 mL. All post-operative radiographs revealed excellent reduction. The mean CIS score was 95.86 ± 1.36%, indicating excellent symmetry.
Conclusions:
These results indicate the safety, practicability, excellent cosmesis, craniofacial symmetry and stability of this new surgical technique.
Insights
A new surgical technique for polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) cranioplasty reduces operative time and blood loss. This method offers excellent cosmetic results and craniofacial symmetry, improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Plastic Surgery
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is a common material for cranioplasty.
- Current PMMA cranioplasty methods have drawbacks including extended operative times, increased blood loss, and higher infection rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and evaluate a novel surgical technique for PMMA cranioplasty.
- To mitigate the disadvantages associated with traditional PMMA cranioplasty procedures.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of nine patients who underwent PMMA cranioplasty using a combined cotton stacking and finger fracture technique.
- Quantitative assessment of skull defect height via CT scan image analysis.
- Evaluation of aesthetic outcomes, cranial index of symmetry (CIS), cranial nerve function, and complications.
Main Results:
- Mean implant molding time was 24.56 minutes; mean skin-to-skin operative time was 178 minutes.
- Average blood loss was 169 mL.
- Post-operative radiographs showed excellent reduction, with a mean CIS of 95.86% indicating high symmetry.
Conclusions:
- The new surgical technique is safe and practical for PMMA cranioplasty.
- The method achieves excellent cosmetic results, craniofacial symmetry, and implant stability.
- This technique offers a viable alternative to traditional methods, addressing key limitations.
