PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess quantitatively whether a symmetric reconstruction of the calvaria could be achieved using 3-dimensional (3D) custom-made implants and to examine any complications caused by the cranioplasty. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Custom-made cranial implants were produced using data obtained from computed tomographic scanning of the defect using computer-aided design and rapid prototyping techniques. Polymethylmethacrylate was used as the reconstruction material and the implant was cast from a silicone rubber mold. These implants were used in 10 patients (9 men and 1 woman) who previously received a craniectomy. The symmetry gained after cranioplasty was quantified by volumetric analysis using 3D reconstructed postoperative computed tomographic imaging. Any complications after cranioplasty also were recorded. RESULTS: The average follow-up was 42.5 months (range, 7 to 85 mo). The esthetic appearance of all patients was much improved. When the volume of the reconstructed right calvaria was compared with the left calvaria, the difference was not statistically significant (P > .05). There were 2 cases of complications. One exhibited a transient seroma collection. Another had a wrinkle formation in the forehead. No infectious episodes or signs of plate rejection were encountered. CONCLUSIONS: The custom-made implants for cranioplasty showed a significant improvement in morphology. The implants may be very useful for repairing large and complex-shaped cranial defects. The technique may be useful for the bone reconstruction of other sites.
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess quantitatively whether a symmetric reconstruction of the calvaria could be achieved using 3-dimensional (3D) custom-made implants and to examine any complications caused by the cranioplasty. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Custom-made cranial implants were produced using data obtained from computed tomographic scanning of the defect using computer-aided design and rapid prototyping techniques. Polymethylmethacrylate was used as the reconstruction material and the implant was cast from a silicone rubber mold. These implants were used in 10 patients (9 men and 1 woman) who previously received a craniectomy. The symmetry gained after cranioplasty was quantified by volumetric analysis using 3D reconstructed postoperative computed tomographic imaging. Any complications after cranioplasty also were recorded. RESULTS: The average follow-up was 42.5 months (range, 7 to 85 mo). The esthetic appearance of all patients was much improved. When the volume of the reconstructed right calvaria was compared with the left calvaria, the difference was not statistically significant (P > .05). There were 2 cases of complications. One exhibited a transient seroma collection. Another had a wrinkle formation in the forehead. No infectious episodes or signs of plate rejection were encountered. CONCLUSIONS: The custom-made implants for cranioplasty showed a significant improvement in morphology. The implants may be very useful for repairing large and complex-shaped cranial defects. The technique may be useful for the bone reconstruction of other sites.
Authors: Filipe M M Marreiros; Y Heuzé; M Verius; C Unterhofer; W Freysinger; W Recheis Journal: Int J Comput Assist Radiol Surg Date: 2016-06-29 Impact factor: 2.924
Authors: David B Kurland; Ariana Khaladj-Ghom; Jesse A Stokum; Brianna Carusillo; Jason K Karimy; Volodymyr Gerzanich; Juan Sahuquillo; J Marc Simard Journal: Neurocrit Care Date: 2015-10 Impact factor: 3.210
Authors: André Luis Fernandes da Silva; Alexandre Meireles Borba; Niverso Rodrigues Simão; Fábio Luis Miranda Pedro; Alvaro Henrique Borges; Michael Miloro Journal: Case Rep Surg Date: 2014-06-30