Abstract :
Cranial defects can have adverse neurological, aesthetic, and psychological repercussions on patients.
Successful rehabilitation of these defects may be achieved by using cranial reconstruction or cranioplasty.
Cranial prostheses can be fabricated from various materials such as titanium, autologous bone, ceramics and
polymers. Customized manufacturing for cranial prosthesis using a 3 -Dimensional (3D) printed cranial
mold allows for a precise anatomical reconstruction of the cranial vault in a shorter operating time as
compared to other conventional techniques.
This article presents the successful rehabilitation of a patient with a cranial defect with preoperatively
customized Polymethyl methacrylate cranial prosthesis made by using a 3-Dimensional Printed Polylactic
acid mold (PLA). This cranial prosthesis alleviated the neurological symptoms due to decompressive
craniotomy and improved aesthetics and function.
Keyword :
Cranial Implant, 3D printing, Craniectomy, Polymethylmethacrylate, Polylactic acid.