Cranial reconstruction using prefabricated direct 3DP porous polyethylene

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study is to evaluate the intra- and post-operative performance and safety of direct three dimensional printing (3DP) porous polyethylene implants in cranial reconstruction. Design/methodology/approach Prefabricated porous polyethylene implants were prepared by direct 3DP, and cranioplasty implantation was performed. Postoperative aesthetics, patient satisfaction, firmness of the implant, reactions to the implant and 3D computed tomography (CT) scanning were assessed after 2, 6, 12 and 24 months postoperatively. Findings No complications after surgery were encountered. Excellent aesthetic results were obtained in all cases, and all the patients were satisfied with the reconstruction outcome. Bone density structure was found to ingrowth into these direct 3DP porous polyethylene implants and the content increased with increasing follow-up times. Research limitations/implications This study was a pilot study conducted in a single group and evaluated in a short-term period. The bone formation and ingrowth were indirectly assessed by 3D CT evaluation. Originality/value This work reported the use and evaluation of direct 3DP porous polyethylene in middle- to large-sized cranial reconstructions. It evidently showed the bonding of implants to surrounding tissues which would result in the long-term stability and infection resistance of the implant.

Effectiveness of bilayer porous polyethylene membrane for alveolar ridge preservation: A randomized controlled trial

“…Alternative materials are continuing to be developed to improve their properties at a lower cost. Novel B‐PPM used in this study contained two layers with different pore sizes and porosity which were suitable for both rapid fibrovascularization and facilitated new bone formation 12,13,15,35 …”

“…This polymeric biomaterial has been successfully used in several medical applications, with good physicochemical, mechanical, and biological properties. Recently, a novel bilayer porous polyethylene membrane (B‐PPM) has been developed and satisfying clinical results from procedures in craniomaxillofacial and orbital reconstructions were reported 10‐13 . To date, B‐PPM has not been used for ARP yet.…”

Adaptive Mechanism for Designing a Personalized Cranial Implant and Its 3D Printing Using PEEK

“…However, there are some limits when it comes to the employment of 3D printing to fabricate bespoke implants. For instance, it is currently unclear which material produces the greatest results in cranioplasty [ 19 ]. The neurosurgeon’s choice of materials has frequently been influenced by availability, regulation, expense, and experience [ 15 , 20 ].…”

High-Density Porous Polyethylene Implant Cranioplasty: A Systematic Review of Outcomes

“…A total of 1089 patients and 1104 cranioplasty procedures with HDPP implants were identified (Supplemental Appendix 1, Supplemental Digital Content 1, http://links.lww.com/SCS/ G18). [22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32] Demographic information on age and gender was available for 32.3% and 33.8% of patients, respectively. Mean age was 44.0 years (range 2 to 83), and 48.1% were male and 51.9% female.…”