BackgroundSource material used to fill calvarial defects includes autologous bones and synthetic alternatives. While autologous bone is preferable to synthetic material, autologous reconstruction is not always feasible due to defect size, unacceptable donor-site morbidity, and other issues. Today, advanced three-dimensional (3D) printing techniques allow for fabrication of titanium implants customized to the exact need of individual patients with calvarial defects. In this report, we present three cases of calvarial reconstructions using 3D-printed porous titanium implants.MethodsFrom 2013 through 2014, three calvarial defects were repaired using custommade 3D porous titanium implants. The defects were due either to traumatic subdural hematoma or to meningioma and were located in parieto-occipital, fronto-temporo-parietal, and parieto-temporal areas. The implants were prepared using individual 3D computed tomography (CT) data, Mimics software, and an electron beam melting machine. For each patient, several designs of the implant were evaluated against 3D-printed skull models. All three cases had a custom-made 3D porous titanium implant laid on the defect and rigid fixation was done with 8 mm screws.ResultsThe custom-made 3D implants fit each patient's skull defect precisely without any dead space. The operative site healed without any specific complications. Postoperative CTs revealed the implants to be in correct position.ConclusionAn autologous graft is not a feasible option in the reconstruction of large calvarial defects. Ideally, synthetic materials for calvarial reconstruction should be easily applicable, durable, and strong. In these aspects, a 3D titanium implant can be an optimal source material in calvarial reconstruction.

Nowadays, with advanced 3D printing techniques, the custom-made implant can be manufactured for the patient. Especially in skull reconstruction, it is difficult to design the implant due to complicated geometry. In large defect, an autograft is inappropriate to cover the defect due to donor morbidity. We present the process of manufacturing the 3D custom-made implant for skull reconstruction. There was one patient with skull defect repaired using custom-made 3D titanium implant in the plastic and reconstructive surgery department. The patient had defect of the left parieto-temporal area after craniectomy due to traumatic subdural hematoma. Custom-made 3D titanium implants were manufactured by Medyssey Co., Ltd. using 3D CT data, Mimics software and an EBM (Electron Beam Melting) machine. The engineer and surgeon reviewed several different designs and simulated a mock surgery on 3D skull model. During the operation, the custom-made implant was fit to the defect properly without dead space. The operative site healed without any specific complications. In skull reconstruction, autograft has been the treatment of choice. However, it is not always available and depends on the size of defect and donor morbidity. As 3D printing technique has been advanced, it is useful to manufacture custom-made implant for skull reconstruction.