Frontal Bone Cranioplasty Using Customized Implants Through A 3d Prototype: Case Report

Abstract

Cranioplasty for the treatment of cranial bone defects has as its main objective the three-dimensional and functional reconstruction of the skull. Computer-assisted surgeries (CAS) have been used since the 1990s efficiently and bring improvements and optimization in reconstructive craniofacial surgical approaches, especially in large bone defects. This clinical case report addresses virtual planning and CAD/CAM technology in secondary craniofacial reconstruction using polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). A 48-year-old male patient had two bone defects in the frontal region with skin dehiscence into the frontal sinus. A computed tomography was performed with 1mm slices and converted into a 3D model of the frontal bone and in the mold of the bone defect in real size. To address the bone defects, a neurosurgeon was involved in the treatment of dura mater, cranialization of the frontal sinus, and obliteration of the nasofrontal duct, and was completed by the oral and maxillofacial surgery team. After the surgery, a tomographic exam was performed, and a perfect adaptation between the prosthesis and the bone contours and a great anatomical contour of the frontal bone were observed, making it satisfactory to the initial surgical planning. The use of virtual planning and the CAD/CAM system resulted in greater predictability and greater safety for the craniofacial reconstruction procedure, as well as a reduction in the perioperative time. The material used, PMMA, presented itself as a material of easy manipulation, low cost, and with perfect adaptation to bone contours.

Keywords

• pmma
• bone transplantation
• maxillofacial prosthesis
• cranioplasty
• customized implants