title: Development of a bioactive implant for repair and potential healing of cranial defects.
abstract: The repair of complex craniofacial bone defects is challenging and a successful result is dependent on the size of the defect, quality of the soft tissue covering the defect, and choice of reconstruction method. The objective of this study was to develop a bioactive cranial implant that could provide a permanent reconstructive solution to the patient by stimulating bone healing of the defect. In this paper the authors report on the feasibility and clinical results of using such a newly developed device for the repair of a large traumatic and therapy-resistant cranial bone defect. The patient had undergone numerous attempts at repair, in which established methods had been tried without success. A mosaic-designed device was manufactured and implanted, comprising interconnected ceramic tiles with a defined calcium phosphate composition. The clinical outcome 30 months after surgery revealed a restored cranial vault without postoperative complications. Computed tomography demonstrated signs of bone ingrowth. Examination with combined (18)F-fluoride PET and CT provided further evidence of bone healing of the cranial defect.
authors.affiliation: Stockholm Craniofacial Centre, Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Plastic Surgery Section;
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Engstrand
authors.forename: Lars
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Kihlström
authors.forename: Erik
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Neovius
authors.forename: Ann-Charlott Docherty
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Skogh
authors.forename: T Kalle
authors.initials: TK
authors.lastname: Lundgren
authors.forename: Hans
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Jacobsson
authors.forename: Jan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bohlin
authors.forename: Jonas
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Åberg
authors.forename: Håkan
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Engqvist
mesh_terms: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D012886:Skull / Q000601:surgery*; D012887:Skull Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials