title: Technical considerations in the use of polymethylmethacrylate in cranioplasty.
abstract: Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is a self-curing acrylic resin that can be used in the repair of cranial defects. It is available in three forms: PMMA without mesh, PMMA reinforced with mesh, and PMMA preformed to fit a defect. In cranioplasty, the size and location of the defects provide the selection criteria for the use of PMMA. PMMA without mesh is ideal for small defects (5 cm2-15 cm2). PMMA reinforced with mesh is used for moderate sized defects (16 cm2-49 cm2). For very large defects (> or = 50 cm2), a CT scan guided mold is recommended because it provides the ideal contour and shape that simulates the normal skull.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville 22908, USA.
authors.forename: W C
authors.initials: WC
authors.lastname: Lara
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Schweitzer
authors.forename: R P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Lewis
authors.forename: B C
authors.initials: BC
authors.lastname: Odum
authors.forename: R F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Edlich
authors.forename: T J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Gampper
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D019904:Polymethyl Methacrylate; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation / Q000379:methods; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D012886:Skull / Q000601:surgery*; D013526:Surgical Mesh