PEEK customized implant for skull esthetic reconstruction

• Published in: Revue de stomatologie et de chirurgie maxillo-faciale Vol. 113; no. 6; pp. 468 - 471
• Main Authors: Foletti, J-M, Lari, N, Dumas, P, Compes, P, Guyot, L
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: French
• Published: France 01-12-2012
• Subjects: Biocompatible Materials - chemistry; Brain Injuries - surgery; Computer-Aided Design; Decompressive Craniectomy - rehabilitation; Dentistry; Esthetics; Humans; Imaging, Three-Dimensional - methods; Ketones - chemistry; Polyethylene Glycols - chemistry; Prostheses and Implants; Prosthesis Design; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures - instrumentation; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures - methods; Scalp - surgery; Skin Transplantation - methods; Skull - surgery; Tissue Expansion - methods; Tomography, X-Ray Computed - methods
• ISSN: 1776-257X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.stomax.2012.07.008

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.
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.
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.