Customized Polymethyl Methacrylate Implants for the Reconstruction of Craniofacial Osseous Defects

Abstract

Craniofacial defects represent alterations in the anatomy and morphology of the cranial vault and the facial bones that potentially affect an individual's psychological and social well-being. Although a variety of techniques and restorative procedures have been described for the reconstruction of the affected area, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), a biocompatible and nondegradable acrylic resin-based implant, is the most widely used alloplastic material for such craniomaxillofacial reconstruction. The aim of this study was to describe a technique for aesthetic and functional preoperative customized reconstruction of craniofacial bone defects from a small series of patients offered by the Brazilian public health system. Three adult male patients attended consultation with chief complaints directly related to their individual craniofacial bone defects. With the aid of multislice computed tomography scans and subsequent fabrication of the three-dimensional craniofacial prototype, custom-made PMMA implants were fabricated preoperatively. Under general anesthesia, with access to the craniofacial defects with a coronal approach, the PMMA implants were adapted and fixated to the facial skeleton with titanium plates and screws. Postoperative evaluation demonstrated uneventful recovery and an excellent aesthetic result. Customized prefabricated PMMA implants manufactured over the rapid prototyping models proved to be effective and feasible.

3D-Printing Technologies for Craniofacial Rehabilitation, Reconstruction, and Regeneration

“…Such precise and methodical pre-bending can result in improved functional and aesthetic outcomes 6 , decreased subjectivity 29 , and reduced surgery and ischemia time 63 . Stereolithographic models of the defect site have also been used to mold PMMA to fashion an alloplastic bone-graft alternative 21 . In addition, 3D-printing models of ideal and patient-specific anatomy produced by mirroring a normal contralateral side has been used to press fit a composite titanium and porous polyethylene implant, and then guide the surgical placement in order to reconstruct the orbital floor after facial trauma 61 .…”

Obliteration of a Large Mandibular Arterio-Venous Malformation with Polymethyl Methacrylate Bone Cement

“…PMMA bone cement is a biocompatible and non-degradable acrylic resin-based implant, which is currently the most extensively used alloplastic material for craniofacial reconstruction (10). PMMA bone cement was successfully used as an occlusive material in an intraosseous arteriovenous lesion (11).…”

Analisa Akurasi Geometri Penggunaan Metode Injection Moulding Berbasis Printer 3D Untuk Produksi Implan Pada Bedah Cranioplasty

“…Defek tulang kepala (cranial bone defects) dan defek tulang wajah (cranio facial defects) merupakan kasus medis dimana tidak adanya jaringan tulang pada bagian cranial dan facial [1] [2], [3], [4]. Defek tersebut dapat menyebabkan berkurangnya fungsionalitas tulang kranial dan perubahan anatomi [4].…”