title: [PEEK customized implant for skull esthetic reconstruction].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Craniotomies provide unsightly sequels. Conservative methods for the removed bone, autologous graft, or use of surgical cement do not always allow restoring cranial symmetry. A customized PolyEtherEtherKetone (PEEK) implant may then be used. This implant is made from 3D CT reconstruction. The PEEK material is biocompatible, conformable, strong enough to protect the brain.
  
  
  METHODS
  The authors report a case of aesthetic reconstruction of a large cranial defect using a customized PEEK implant. Balloon scalp expansion was performed before implant placement.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The aesthetic results are satisfactory, the postoperative short and simple. PEEK is a good alternative to titanium implants for customized implants; it is easier to use and lighter. This customized implant is well suited to correct unsightly sequels of craniotomy.
authors.affiliation: Service de chirurgie maxillo-faciale, plastique, esthétique et reconstructrice, hôpital Nord, chemin des Bourrelys, 13915 Marseille cedex 20, France. jmfoletti@gmail.com
authors.forename: J-M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Foletti
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Lari
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Dumas
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Compes
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Guyot
mesh_terms: D001577:Benzophenones; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000601:surgery; D017076:Computer-Aided Design; D056424:Decompressive Craniectomy / Q000534:rehabilitation; D004954:Esthetics; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods; D007659:Ketones / Q000737:chemistry; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000737:chemistry; D011108:Polymers; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D012535:Scalp / Q000601:surgery; D016038:Skin Transplantation / Q000379:methods; D012886:Skull / Q000601:surgery*; D015626:Tissue Expansion / Q000379:methods; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods
chemical_list: D001577:Benzophenones; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D007659:Ketones; D011108:Polymers; C063834:polyetheretherketone; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols