Using rapid prototyping molds to create patient specific polymethylmethacrylate implants in cranioplasty

Annu Int Conf IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc. 2010:2010:3357-60. doi: 10.1109/IEMBS.2010.5627903.

Abstract

Cranioplasty is a commonly performed procedure. Outcomes can be improved by the use of patient specific implants, however, high costs limit their accessibility. This paper presents a low cost alternative technique to create patient specific polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) implants using rapid prototyped mold template. We used available patient's CT-scans, one dataset without craniotomy and one with craniotomy, for computer-assisted design of a 3D mold template, which itself can be brought into the operating room and be used for fast and easy building of a PMMA implant. We applied our solution to three patients with positive outcomes and no complications.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biocompatible Materials / chemistry*
  • Bone Cements / therapeutic use*
  • Equipment Failure Analysis
  • Humans
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures / instrumentation*
  • Polymethyl Methacrylate / chemistry*
  • Prosthesis Design
  • Skull / surgery*

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Bone Cements
  • Polymethyl Methacrylate