Arch Craniofac Surg.  2012 Oct;13(2):125-129. 10.7181/acfs.2012.13.2.125.

Easy Molding Technique of Methylmethacrylate Implant Using Plaster and Rapid Prototyping Model in Cranioplasty

• Park KR
• Kim YH
• Kim TG
• Lee JH
• Ha JH

• KMID: 2220181
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7181/acfs.2012.13.2.125

Abstract

PURPOSE
Methylmethacrylate is the most commonly used alloplastic material in cranioplasty. However during the polymerization of methylmethacrylate, a significant exothermic reaction takes place. This reaction may result in thermal injury to the brain tissue and other soft tissues. Also it is difficult to make three-dimensional methylmethacrylate implant that is perfectly matched to the defect during the operation time. We report on the molding technique of methylmethacrylate implant using plaster mold and the rapid prototyping model in cranioplasty.
METHODS
A 44-year-old male was referred to the department for severe frontal hollowness. He was involved in an automobile accident resulting in large frontal bone defect with irregular margin. The preformed patient-specific methylmethacrylate implant was made using plaster mold and the rapid prototyping model before the operative day. The methylmethacrylate implant was placed in the frontal defect and rigidly fixed with miniplates and screws on the operative day.
RESULTS
The operation was performed in an hour. In the 6 months follow-up period, there were no complications. Patient was satisfied with the results of cranioplasty.
CONCLUSION
Safe cranioplasty was performed with the preformed patient-specific methylmethacrylate implant using plaster mold and the rapid prototyping model. The result of this method was satisfactory, aesthetically and functionally.

Keyword

Methylmethacrylate; Cranioplasty

MeSH Terms

Adult
Automobiles
Brain
Follow-Up Studies
Frontal Bone
Fungi
Humans
Hypogonadism
Male
Methylmethacrylate
Mitochondrial Diseases
Ophthalmoplegia
Polymerization
Polymers
Hypogonadism
Methylmethacrylate
Mitochondrial Diseases
Ophthalmoplegia
Polymers