Application of a 3D printed wig protection device after decompressive craniectomy

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Decompressive craniotomy (DC) surgery can leave patients vulnerable to skull defects.
• Standard care protocols for skull protection may have limitations.
• 3D printing technology offers potential for customized medical devices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and patient experience of 3D-printed wig protectors for skull protection post-DC surgery.
• To compare outcomes between patients receiving 3D-printed wig protectors and those receiving standard care.

Main Methods:

• A single-center, prospective trial involving 25 patients undergoing DC surgery.
• Patients were divided into a control group (standard care) and an experimental group (3D-printed wig protection).
• Outcomes assessed included reinjury, wear duration, skin reactions, pain, aesthetics, and Quality of Life (QLQ-C30) over 12 weeks.

Main Results:

• The experimental group showed a trend towards lower secondary injury rates (0 vs. 3).
• Patients using 3D-printed protectors reported significantly better self-assessed aesthetics (P=0.025) and QLQ-C30 scores (P=0.041) at 3 months.
• The 3D-printed protector weighed 132.3 ± 11.98 g, with no initial reports of pain or discomfort in the experimental group.

Conclusions:

• 3D-printed wig protectors represent a promising advancement in post-decompressive craniotomy skull protection.
• This innovative approach enhances patient-reported outcomes, including aesthetics and quality of life.
• Further research may explore wider adoption and long-term benefits of custom 3D-printed protective devices.