Polymethylmethacrylate cranioplasty using low-cost customised 3D printed moulds for cranial defects - a single Centre experience: technical note

Br J Neurosurg. 2019 Aug;33(4):376-378. doi: 10.1080/02688697.2019.1566514. Epub 2019 Feb 8.

Abstract

We report our experience with 3D customised cranioplasties for large cranial defects. They were made by casting bone cement in custom made moulds at the time of surgery. Between October 2015 and January 2018, 29 patients underwent the procedure; 25 underwent elective cranioplasties for large cranial defects and four were bone tumour resection and reconstruction cases. The majority of patients (96.5%) reported a satisfactory aesthetic outcome. No infections related to the surgical procedure were observed in the follow-up period. The method proved to be effective and affordable.

Keywords: Cranioplasty; meningioma; outcome; trauma.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Video-Audio Media

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bone Cements / economics
  • Bone Cements / therapeutic use*
  • Decompressive Craniectomy / methods
  • Elective Surgical Procedures / economics
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures / economics
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures / methods*
  • Polymethyl Methacrylate / economics
  • Polymethyl Methacrylate / therapeutic use*
  • Printing, Three-Dimensional / economics*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Skull / surgery*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Bone Cements
  • Polymethyl Methacrylate