Cranioplasty with a low-cost customized polymethylmethacrylate implant using a desktop 3D printer

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Medical Device Technology

Background:

• Autologous bone grafts are preferred for cranioplasty but often unavailable due to complications.
• Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is a common synthetic alternative for cranial reconstruction.
• Advancements in 3D printing enable the creation of customized, prefabricated implants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a method for creating low-cost, customized PMMA cranioplasty implants.
• To evaluate the efficacy and patient outcomes of this technique.

Main Methods:

• A review of 22 patients who underwent CT-based, customized PMMA cranioplasty.
• Data collected included defect size, reason for craniectomy, operative time, and complications.
• Follow-up assessed implant success, infection, and cosmetic outcome.

Main Results:

• Cranioplasty was performed for traumatic brain injury, tumor resection, infection, and vascular causes.
• No infections, implant rejections, or wound dehiscence occurred during follow-up (1-6 months).
• All patients experienced significantly improved aesthetic appearance with excellent implant fit.

Conclusions:

• Customized PMMA cranioplasty achieved high patient, family, and surgeon satisfaction.
• The technique provides a cost-effective alternative to commercial implants.
• This method is a viable option for patients requiring cranioplasty.