Cranioplasty with three-dimensional customised mould for polymethylmethacrylate implant: a series of 16 consecutive patients with cost-effectiveness consideration

3D Printing in Medicine

Ana Flávia Oliveti¹  Caetano Silva Lobo¹  Rafael Martinelli de Oliveira¹  Afonso Henrique de Aragão²  Erasmo Barros da Silva Júnior²  Ricardo Ramina²  Marcelo de Paula Loureiro³ 

[1] BMR Medical, Curitiba, Brazil;Department of Neurosurgery, Instituto de Neurologia de Curitiba, Jeremias Maciel Perretto, 300 - Campo Comprido, 81210-310, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil;Post-Graduation Department of Industrial Biotechnology, Universidade Positivo, Curitiba, Brazil;

关键词: 3D printing;    Cranioplasty;    Customised implant;    Polymethylmethacrylate;    Reconstructive surgery;    Three-dimensional template;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s41205-021-00096-7

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundDifferent methods of cranioplasty for the reconstruction of bony skull defects exist. In the absence of the autologous bone flap, a customised manufactured implant may be the optimal choice, but this implant has several limitations regarding its technical standardisation and better cost-effectiveness.MethodsThis study presents a series of 16 consecutive patients who had undergone cranioplasty with customised three-dimensional (3D) template moulds for polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) implants manufactured after 3D modelling on a specific workstation. The virtual images were transformed into a two-piece physical model using a 3D printer for the biomaterials. PMMA implant was produced intraoperatively with the custom mould. Cosmetic results were analysed by comparing pre- and postoperative 3D computed tomography (CT) images and asking if the patient was satisfied with the result.ResultsThe average total time for planning and production of customised mould was 10 days. The 16 patients were satisfied with the result, and CT images presented harmonious symmetry when comparing pre- and postoperative scans. Cases of postoperative infection, bleeding, or reoperation in this series were not observed.ConclusionCranioplasty with high-technology customised 3D moulds for PMMA implants can allow for an aesthetic reconstruction with a fast and cost-effective manufacturing process and possibly with low complication rates.

【 授权许可】

CC BY