Cost-effective patient-specific intraoperative molded cranioplasty.
Intraoperative molding of polymethyl-methacrylate into complex three-dimensional shapes with correct thickness is often a time-consuming process and may lead to unsatisfying cosmetical results. This article describes an intraoperative technique to assemble a polymethyl-methacrylate implant as a replica of the patient's bone flap. This approach provides a fast and inexpensive alternative technique with good cosmetic outcome. The technique is feasible and can be applied in early and delayed cranioplasty procedures. In selected patients, immediate single-stage reconstruction avoids a second operation.
Fathi
Ali-Reza
AR
Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Bern, Bern, Switzerland. AR.Fathi@gmx.net
Marbacher
Serge
S
Lukes
Anton
A
D000328:Adult; D001922:Brain Abscess / Q000601:surgery; D002370:Casts, Surgical / Q000191:economics; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003399:Craniotomy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007430:Intraoperative Care / Q000379:methods*; D008579:Meningioma / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D038361:Neuronavigation; D019904:Polymethyl Methacrylate; D013524:Surgical Flaps
D019904:Polymethyl Methacrylate