Page 126 - Clinical relevance of current materials for cranial implants

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Chapter 6
ABSTRACT
Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of resection templates in
cranioplasties to facilitate a one-stage resection and cranial reconstruction.
Patients and methods: In three cases, cranial resections were combined with direct reconstructions using the principles of computer-assisted design, manufacturing and surgery. The precision of the resection template was evaluated through a distance map between the planned and final result.
Results: The mean absolute difference between the planned and actual reconstructed contour was less than 1.0 mm. After 3 years, no clinical signs of infection or rejection of the implants were present. The computed tomography scans showed no irregularities, and the aesthetical results remained satisfactory.
Conclusion: One-stage resection and cranial reconstruction using a resection template, control template and a prefabricated patient-specific implant of poly(ether- ether-ketone) (PEEK) proves to be a viable and safe method.