Surgical planning and finite element analysis for the neurocraneal protection in cranioplasty with PMMA: A case study

New developments in terms of additive manufacturing, computational tools and mathematical simulation techniques have favored the development of successful methodologies for the restoration or restitution of bone structures in the human body. Likewise, achievements in Materials Science have allowed the development of biocompatible composites capable of achieving mechanical characteristics and biological similarities comparable to those of natural bone. Without considering the advantages and disadvantages of some biomaterials with respect to others, this research aims to evaluate the surgical planning, the design process, the impact resistance and the critical deflection of a customized cranial implant manufactured from polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). With the support of finite element methods (FEM), the level of neurocranial protection offered by the implant is assessed.