Individual titanium mesh for repair of large-area skull defects in the fronto-temporo-parietal lobes in 16 cases A computer-aided design / 中国组织工程研究

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: More recently,repair of skull defect with computer-designed prosthesis contributes to the revolutionary development of skull reconstruction technique. OBJECTIVE: To individually molded titanium mesh by computer-aided design (CAD) technique,and to observe the clinical application value of the titanium mesh in the repair of large-area skull defects in the fronto- temporo-parietal lobes. DESIGN,TIME AND SETTING: A retrospective case analysis was performed at the Department of Neurosurgery,Liuzhou People's Hospital between January 2006 and August 2007.PARTICIPANTS: A total of 16 patients comprising 12 males and 4 females,aged 16-52 years,suffered from skull defects in the fronto-temporo-parietai lobes following standard large trauma craniotomy and were recruited into this stud Two of these patients were complicated by hydrocephalus and received ventriculoperitoneal shunt. Skull defect area ranged between 9. 2 cm ×11.2 cm and 12.2 cm×14.6 cm. Skull defect neoplasty was performed in all patients 3-8months following standard large trauma craniotomy. METHODS: Titanium mesh patches were individually modeled by CAD,computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) and rapid shaping techniques and implanted into skull defect region. In addition,defect edge was fastened with titanium nails. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Moulding effects and complications following skull defect neoplasty. RESULTS: A small amount of subcutaneous effusion was found in one patient and disappeared after liquid extraction and pressure dressing. Titanium mesh was firmly fixed with no loosening. Patients exhibited left-right symmetry,appropriate lateral curvature,no irregular umbilication or chewing dysfunction. All patients were followed for 3-18 months postoperatively and were satisfied with good resuRs,Le.,no complications,infection,material exposure,loosening,or collapse. CONCLUSION: CAD technique used for repair of skull defects is convenient,effective,and safe. This method can. reduce postoperative complications and improve repair effects.