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.
Keywords: 3D print-formed; 3D printing; Templating; additive manufacturing; cranioplasty; neurosurgery; polymethylmethacrylate; rapid prototyping.
© 2020 Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.