Rapid prototyping technology for cranioplasty: A case series

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Prosthodontics
• Neurosurgery

Background:

• Cranial vault defects, whether acquired or congenital, present significant rehabilitation challenges.
• Traditional methods for cranial prosthesis fabrication can be difficult due to patient-specific anatomical complexities and clinical conditions.
• Polymethylmethacrylate is a common material for alloplastic cranial grafts.

Observation:

• Two cases of frontotemporoparietal cranial defects were treated using rapid prototyping technology (RPT).
• Case 1 involved a defect with cerebrospinal fluid accumulation complicating conventional impression procedures.
• Case 2 presented with poor neuromuscular control, hindering accurate impression making.

Findings:

• Custom-made skull templates and cranial prostheses were fabricated using RPT based on 3D CT scan data.
• The RPT technique resulted in prostheses with excellent esthetics and superior fit.
• Prosthetic contours accurately replicated the contralateral side, restoring natural appearance.

Implications:

• Rapid prototyping technology provides a precise, efficient, and less error-prone method for fabricating custom cranial prostheses.
• This technology enhances patient rehabilitation by improving fit and esthetics in complex cases.
• RPT represents a significant advancement in applying additive manufacturing to reconstructive dentistry and craniofacial surgery.