The use of cranial resection templates with 3D virtual planning and PEEK patient-specific implants: A 3 year follow-up

• Published in: Journal of cranio-maxillo-facial surgery Vol. 47; no. 4; pp. 542 - 547
• Main Authors: van de Vijfeijken, S.E.C.M., Schreurs, R., Dubois, L., Becking, A.G., Karssemakers, L.H.E., Milstein, D.M.J., Depauw, P.R.A.M., Hoefnagels, F.W.A., Vandertop, W.P., Kleverlaan, C.J., Münker, T.J.A.G., Maal, T.J.J., Nout, E., Riool, M., Zaat, S.A.J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Scotland Elsevier Ltd 01-04-2019
• Subjects: CAD/CAM-CAS; Computer-Aided Design; Computer-aided design, manufacturing, and surgery; Craniectomy; Dental Implants; Dentistry; Esthetics, Dental; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Imaging, Three-Dimensional; Ketones; Patient-specific implant; PEEK; Polyethylene Glycols; PSI; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures; CAD/CAM-CAS; Computer-aided design, manufacturing, and surgery; Craniectomy; Patient-specific implant; PEEK; PSI
• ISSN: 1010-5182; 1878-4119
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jcms.2018.07.012

The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of resection templates in cranioplasties in order 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-aided design, manufacturing, and surgery. The precision of the resection template was evaluated through a distance map, comparing the planned and final result.
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 aesthetic results remained satisfactory.
One-stage resection and cranial reconstruction using a resection template, control template, and a prefabricated patient-specific implant of poly(ether-ether-ketone) (PEEK) proved to be a viable and safe method.