Patient specific Polymethyl methacrylate customised cranioplasty using 3D printed silicone moulds: Technical note

Cranioplasty procedures often require materials that fit individual anatomical structures. Traditional methods may involve higher costs or less precise outcomes. Prior research has shown that 3D printing can aid in creating customized implants. However, the specific use of PMMA with 3D printed silicone molds remains underexplored. No prior work had resolved the cost-effectiveness of PMMA implants in cranioplasty. This gap motivated the investigation of a new fabrication method. The goal was to assess if PMMA implants could be produced efficiently using 3D printed molds. The study aimed to evaluate the practicality of this approach in clinical settings.

This study aimed to describe a novel method for creating patient-specific PMMA cranioplasties. The focus was on using 3D printed silicone molds to achieve anatomical precision. The motivation stemmed from the need for affordable and accurate reconstruction options. The procedure's effectiveness was evaluated in a clinical setting. Seven patients were selected for the study based on their need for cranioplasty. The study's design allowed for direct comparison of mold-based PMMA implants to traditional methods. The goal was to confirm the feasibility of this technique in real-world applications. The authors sought to demonstrate the practical benefits of using 3D printed molds in PMMA implant production.

The study involved seven patients requiring cranioplasty procedures. CT scans were used to create digital models of each patient's skull. These models were then converted into 3D printed silicone molds. The molds were used to shape PMMA implants according to patient-specific anatomy. The fabrication process was guided by the anatomical data from the CT scans. Each implant was produced using a standardized protocol. The surgeries were performed using the newly created PMMA implants. The procedure's efficiency was measured by the average surgical time of 80 minutes.

Seven procedures were successfully completed using the described method. The mean surgical time was recorded at 80 minutes per case. All implants matched the patient's anatomy with high precision. No surgical complications were reported during the study period. The use of 3D printed molds ensured accurate implant shaping. The cost of the procedure was found to be affordable for clinical use. The cosmetic outcomes were described as satisfactory by the authors. The technique demonstrated effectiveness in both form and function.

The authors propose that using 3D printed silicone molds with PMMA is a viable cranioplasty method. The technique was found to be effective in matching patient anatomy. The authors suggest that this approach is cost-efficient for clinical use. The study's findings indicate a good cosmetic outcome from the implants. The absence of complications supports the safety of the method. The authors recommend further evaluation of this technique in larger patient groups. The study highlights the potential of 3D printing in neurosurgical reconstruction. The authors conclude that this method offers a practical alternative to traditional cranioplasty techniques.