3D Printing for Customized Bone Reconstruction in Spheno-Orbital Meningiomas: A Systematic Literature Review and Institutional Experience

Abstract

Background: The treatment of spheno-orbital meningiomas (SOMs) requires extensive bone resections, creating significant defects in a complex geometrical space. Bone reconstruction represents a fundamental step that optimizes long-term aesthetic and functional outcomes. In recent years, 3D printing technology has also been exploited for complex skull base reconstructions, but reports remain scarce. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed four consecutive patients who underwent SOM resection and one-step 3D PEEK customized reconstruction from 2019 to 2023. A systematic review of 3D printing customized implants for SOM was then performed. Results: All patients underwent a frontotemporal craniotomy, removal of SOM, and reconstruction of the superolateral orbital wall and pterional region. The aesthetic outcome was extremely satisfactory in all cases. No orbital implant malposition or infectious complications were documented. Eleven papers were included in the literature review, describing 27 patients. Most (23) patients underwent a single-stage reconstruction; in three cases, the implant was positioned to correct postoperative delayed enophthalmos. Porous titanium was the most used material (16 patients), while PEEK was used in three cases. Prosthesis malposition was described in two (7.4%) patients. Conclusions: Single-step reconstruction with a personalized 3D PEEK prosthesis represents a valid reconstruction technique for the treatment of SOMs with good aesthetic outcomes.

Keywords

• custom cranial implant
• customized reconstruction
• skull base
• spheno-orbital meningiomas
• spheno-orbital reconstruction
• 3D printing customized prosthesis