title: A classification of cranial implants based on the degree of difficulty in computer design and manufacture.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Skull defects usually create aesthetic and functional disturbances to the patient. These defects are currently reconstructed by using computer-aided design and manufacturing processes. Classification of skull defects becomes important in discussing the complexity of reconstruction in clinical practice or comparing clinical results in scientific articles.
  
  
  METHODS
  A more comprehensive classification, which takes into account not only the anatomical location but also the degree of difficulty in designing and manufacturing the implant, is presented here. It is not our intention to describe the different treatment modalities; therefore, only two clinical examples are presented to demonstrate the purpose of classification.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The new classification enables a more detailed comparison of the clinical outcome of different modes of treatment for skull defects.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The proposed classification reflects the degree of difficulty in designing and manufacturing of implants and can be very useful when comparing treatment results of skull defects for clinical or scientific purposes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cranio-maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands. jpou@mkg.azm.nl
authors.forename: Jules
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Poukens
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Laeven
authors.forename: Maikel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Beerens
authors.forename: Gerard
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Nijenhuis
authors.forename: Jos Vander
authors.initials: JV
authors.lastname: Sloten
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Stoelinga
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kessler
mesh_terms: D017076:Computer-Aided Design; D019465:Craniofacial Abnormalities / Q000601:surgery*; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000379:methods*; D019736:Prostheses and Implants / Q000145:classification*; D011474:Prosthesis Design / Q000379:methods; D017755:Prosthesis Fitting / Q000379:methods*; D012886:Skull / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000601:surgery*