Technical considerations in the use of polymethylmethacrylate in cranioplasty.
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.
Lara
W C
WC
Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville 22908, USA.
Schweitzer
J
J
Lewis
R P
RP
Odum
B C
BC
Edlich
R F
RF
Gampper
T J
TJ
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