Reconstruction of frontal bone using patient specific implant poly-ether-ketone-ketone via a lateral nasal/lynch incision

Abstract

Trauma to the craniofacial structures can result in both functional and aesthetic defects. Mucosa lines the frontal sinus outflow tract (FSOT) from the frontal sinus to the nasal cavity and any obstruction to the flow of mucus can lead to complications such as mucocele formation or chronic frontal sinusitis. If the FSOT or posterior cranial vault is not damaged, reestablishment of the aesthetic contour of the frontal bandeau becomes the primary concern. There are several materials that have been proposed for treatment of frontal bone defects. Technological advances such as computed tomography (CT) scan, computer assisted design (CAD), and computer assisted manufacturing (CAM), have led to the development of three-dimensionally printed patient-specific implants. Poly-Ether-Ketone-Ketone (PEKK) is a biocompatible material from the same polyaromatic semicrystalline polymer family as Poly-Ether-Ether-Ketone (PEEK). Patient specific implants have given way to smaller surgical incisions that enable the implant to be slipped into the bony defect to reestablish contour of the frontal bandeau and secured with lag screws. The aim of this study is to describe a case of frontal bone defect reconstruction with PEKK implant via a lateral nasal/Lynch incision.

Keywords

• Reconstruction
• Virtual surgical planning
• Frontal bone surgical approaches
• Implants