Bone-like polyethelyne burr-hole cover.
OBJECTIVE
Several materials are available for covering burr holes but none of them are ideal with respect to biocompatibility, strength and morbidity. With these properties in mind, our objective was to design a porous polyethylene device, which looked like bone and provides protection and cosmesis while being quick and easy to apply.
A burr-hole cover was created to cover small cranial defects and craniostomies. Using high-density polyethylene, this cover was designed to resemble the bony structure of the skull. Its porous architecture allows for tissue ingrowth and bony integration. It consists of a cylinder which fits into the burr hole and a cap which can be sutured or anchored with titanium screws.


CONCLUSIONS
The "bone-like" burr-hole cover provides adequate protection, biocompatibility and cosmesis and is simple to use. Alternative implants can be toxic to surrounding tissues, costly and time consuming to apply. This high-density polyethylene cover is compatible with surrounding tissue as well as being of a porous nature and the material it is made from offers high tensile strength for adequate protection.
Dujovny
Manuel
M
Department of Neurological Surgery, Wayne State University, University Health Center, 4201 St. I Antoine 6E, Detroit, MI 48201, USA. mdujovny@neurosurgery.wayne.edu
Aviles
Alberto
A
Cuevas
Pedro
P
D020341:Absorbable Implants / Q000639:trends; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003399:Craniotomy / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D011095:Polyethylenes; D019736:Prostheses and Implants / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends*; D012886:Skull / Q000601:surgery*; D014025:Titanium
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011095:Polyethylenes; D014025:Titanium