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Published on: August 4, 2020
Reconstruction of Frontal Bone With Custom-Made Prosthesis Using Rapid Prototyping
Vinícius Gabriel Barros Florentino1, Diego Santiago de Mendonça, Ariel Valente Bezerra
1*José Frota Institute †Batista Memorial Hospital, Ceará ‡Araçatuba Dental School-UNESP, São Paulo §Division of Neurological Surgery ||Federal University of Ceará ¶Pernambuco University-UPE, STAFF of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Division, José Frota Institute #Ceará Federal University, Fortaleza, Brazil.
This study presents an effective treatment for large frontal bone fractures using titanium mesh and custom implants created with rapid prototyping. This innovative approach ensures predictable and satisfactory aesthetic and functional outcomes for patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Craniofacial Surgery
- Biomaterials Engineering
Background:
- Frontal bone fracture treatment remains a complex challenge in craniofacial and neurosurgery.
- Maintaining frontal sinus function and facial aesthetics are key treatment objectives.
- Accurate pre-operative planning is crucial for successful surgical outcomes.
Observation:
- Rapid prototyping offers significant advantages in surgical planning and simulation.
- It enhances diagnostic accuracy and allows for custom implant fabrication, reducing operative time.
- Titanium mesh and poly(methyl methacrylate) are versatile materials for reconstructing cranial defects.
Findings:
- A case study details the successful treatment of a large anterior frontal bone fracture sequelae.
- The treatment combined titanium mesh with a custom poly(methyl methacrylate) implant generated via rapid prototyping.
- This technique proved effective, yielding predictable and satisfactory results.
Implications:
- The combined use of titanium mesh and custom rapid prototyping implants is a viable treatment for complex frontal bone fractures.
- Rapid prototyping is a valuable tool for achieving predictable and aesthetically pleasing outcomes in craniofacial reconstruction.
- This approach can improve patient results and potentially reduce long-term complications.

