Clinical evaluation of rapid 3D print‐formed implants for surgical reconstruction of large cranial defects

Abstract

Background To clinically evaluate 3D print‐formed implant process, using cranioplasty as a proof of concept, to examine its effectiveness and utility as a method of intraoperative implant fabrication. Methods Twelve patients had a 3D print‐formed template created for patient‐specific implant manufacture. Of these patients, 10 received intraoperatively formed polymethylmethacrylate cranioplasty implants between 2013 and 2019. The 3D print‐formed implant templates produced to manufacture these patient‐specific implants were generated using patient computed tomography scans and 3D printed using fused deposition modelling technology. Cosmetic and functional results were determined by participating surgeons, in conjunction with a patient questionnaire. Results The functional results and stability of the implants were deemed to be favourable by participating surgeons. Three of the 10 patients completed a post‐cranioplasty survey, all of whom judged their cosmetic results as good or excellent. At time of writing, the rate of surgical revision was zero and without clinically adverse outcomes. Conclusions 3D print‐formed implants are an effective method of patient‐specific implant formation.

Effect Comparison of Assisted Surgery Simulated by Preoperative 3D Reconstruction and Minimally Invasive Surgery with the Assist of Knee Arthroscopy in the Treatment of Tibial Plateau Fracture under the Background of Intelligent Medicine

“…Knee joint is an important load-bearing joint in human body, the tibial plateau as an important load-bearing structure of knee joint, and the occurrence of fractures will seriously affect the knee joint function [ 14 ]. TPF is often caused by violent injury, with more than 50% of patients in soft tissue injuries such as knee ligament injury and meniscus injury, and the improper treatment will lead to the malformation of force lines, decrease of stability and activity limitation in knee join [ 15 ].…”

Application of Three-Dimensional (3D) Printing in Neurosurgery

“…3D printing technology can be based on the patient's CT and other imaging data and be carried out according to the patient's specific situation to prepare skull repair materials. e repair material used is generally a biocompatible material, such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or knitted polypropylene polyester [72][73][74][75] (Figures 5 and 6). e 3D modeling technique has several advantages: it can help to develop a specific understanding of bone morphology, accurately and directly plan the preoperative bending of the plate, and improve the accuracy of bone acquisition by using negative imprints of the space that needs to be reconstructed.…”

Comparison of Antero-Lateral Thigh Flap and Vastus Lateralis Muscle Flap for the Treatment of Extensive Scalp Defects—A Retrospective Cohort Study

“…Depending on their localizations, size and the medical history of the affected patients, they may impose a relevant challenge on the treating specialist. In many cases, defect situations affect soft and hard tissue and lead to the necessity to provide both, hard tissue reconstruction via cranioplasty, and the restoration of soft tissue [1]. While minor defects may be treated with primary wound closure or local flaps, free tissue transfer using microvascular free flaps offers the possibility to adequately treat extensive defects [2][3][4].…”