[Cranioplasty with polymethylmethacrylate. The clinico-statistical considerations].
BACKGROUND
The main purpose of the reconstruction of the cranium is the protection of the brain. Besides we have to consider important functional and aesthetic necessities in order to achieve satisfactory results.


METHODS
Thirty-six clinical cases, operated from November 1991 to June 1996, in which the reconstruction of the cranial vault is carried out by a polymethylmethacrylate acrylic resin are analysed. The causes and locations of the most common bone defects and the main indications for reconstruction are examined. While the repair of the osseous gaps caused by neoplasms is immediate, in the traumatic occurrences, in order to reduce the probability of infectious complications, an average time of 11 months elapsed from the first operation. The surgical technique, with slightest alterations, is the same in all the presented cases, preparing the acrylic resin straight on the operating table. The resin, moulded and adapted to the defect until its complete hardening, presents, thanks to its properties, manifold advantages (and few real disadvantages).


RESULTS
The results, in terms of complications, are very satisfactory, with an infectious rate of 2.7%. Besides, in one third of the patients, a considerable clinical improvement after the repair has been observed.


CONCLUSIONS
According to personal experience, it is possible to affirm that polymethylmethacrylate, with its remarkable plasticity and stability in time, can always guarantee a satisfactory functional and aesthetic result.
Dipartimento di Chirurgia Plastica e Ricostruttiva, Università degli Studi, Torino.
D
D
Luparello
S
S
Bruschi
G
G
Verna
P
P
Bogetti
G
G
Datta
M
M
Fraccalvieri
V
V
Luparello
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001843:Bone Cements / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019904:Polymethyl Methacrylate / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D012886:Skull / Q000601:surgery*; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000379:methods
D001843:Bone Cements; D019904:Polymethyl Methacrylate
Cranioplastica con polimetilmetacrilato. Considerazioni clinico-statistiche.