T Kamyszek1, S Weihe, M Scholz, M Wehmöller, H Eufinger. 1. Klinik für Mund-, Kiefer- und Plastische Gesichtschirurgie, Knappschaftskrankenhaus Bochum-Langendreer, Universitätsklinikum, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, In der Schomau 23-25, 44892 Bochum.
Abstract
STUDY: From 1994 to 1998, 78 prefabricated titanium implants were used for the reconstruction of large and complex cranial and craniofacial defects in 76 patients at 19 European centres. After a mean follow-up of 8 months, a clinical and radiological examination was used to determine the results of the reconstruction and the patients' satisfaction. Using a standardized questionnaire patients were also able to comment, subjectively, on improvements or alterations after the insertion of the implant. RESULTS: Two implants were removed after an early infectious complication and in a another two cases the implants were removed in order to obtain a tissue sample for histological examination. All other patients showed constant good to excellent clinical and radiological findings with high patient satisfaction. DISCUSSION: The use of titanium fulfils the highest demands of biocompatibility while at the same time allowing the possibility of an oncological examination using suitable turbo-spinecho-sequences in MRI.
STUDY: From 1994 to 1998, 78 prefabricated titanium implants were used for the reconstruction of large and complex cranial and craniofacial defects in 76 patients at 19 European centres. After a mean follow-up of 8 months, a clinical and radiological examination was used to determine the results of the reconstruction and the patients' satisfaction. Using a standardized questionnaire patients were also able to comment, subjectively, on improvements or alterations after the insertion of the implant. RESULTS: Two implants were removed after an early infectious complication and in a another two cases the implants were removed in order to obtain a tissue sample for histological examination. All other patients showed constant good to excellent clinical and radiological findings with high patient satisfaction. DISCUSSION: The use of titanium fulfils the highest demands of biocompatibility while at the same time allowing the possibility of an oncological examination using suitable turbo-spinecho-sequences in MRI.