Arin K Greene1, Stephen M Warren2, Joseph G McCarthy3. 1. Division of Plastic Surgery, Children's Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical School Boston, MA 02445, USA. 2. The Institute of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery, New York University School of Medicine, 560 First Avenue, TCH-169, New York, NY 10016-6497, USA. 3. The Institute of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery, New York University School of Medicine, 560 First Avenue, TCH-169, New York, NY 10016-6497, USA. Electronic address: joseph.mccarthy@med.nyu.edu.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Methyl methacrylate is a biologically inert alloplastic material that is commonly used to rebuild the calvarial vault. Since methyl methacrylate does not permit tissue incorporation it is susceptible to displacement and/or fracture. In order to increase the tensile strength of methyl methacrylate onlay cranioplasties, we use wire reinforced masonry techniques. PATIENT: A 56-year-old female presents with forehead asymmetry due to displacement and fracture of a silicone alloplastic implant. This patient, treated with onlay wire reinforced methyl methacrylate, demonstrates the utility of this novel technique. RESULTS: Wire is passed through 2-mm outer cortex tunnels like spokes on a wheel, around the perimeter of the defect to form a rebar grid. Methyl methacrylate is poured onto the rebar grid and contoured after it solidifies. CONCLUSIONS: Wire reinforced methyl methacrylate is a simple technique to improve the tensile strength of calvarial alloplastic reconstructions.
INTRODUCTION:Methyl methacrylate is a biologically inert alloplastic material that is commonly used to rebuild the calvarial vault. Since methyl methacrylate does not permit tissue incorporation it is susceptible to displacement and/or fracture. In order to increase the tensile strength of methyl methacrylate onlay cranioplasties, we use wire reinforced masonry techniques. PATIENT: A 56-year-old female presents with forehead asymmetry due to displacement and fracture of a silicone alloplastic implant. This patient, treated with onlay wire reinforced methyl methacrylate, demonstrates the utility of this novel technique. RESULTS: Wire is passed through 2-mm outer cortex tunnels like spokes on a wheel, around the perimeter of the defect to form a rebar grid. Methyl methacrylate is poured onto the rebar grid and contoured after it solidifies. CONCLUSIONS: Wire reinforced methyl methacrylate is a simple technique to improve the tensile strength of calvarial alloplastic reconstructions.