The “springform” technique in cranioplasty: custom made 3D-printed templates for intraoperative modelling of polymethylmethacrylate cranial implants

ConclusionOur novel 3D printing-aided moulding workflow for elective cranioplasty with patient-specific PMMA implants proved to be an easily implementable alternative to solely manual implant moulding. The “springform” principle, focusing on reconstruction of the precraniectomy skull shape and perfect closure of the craniectomy defect, was feasible and showed excellent cosmetic results. The proposed method combines the precision and cosmetic advantages of computer-aided design (CAD) implants with the cost-effectiveness of manually moulded PMMA implants.
Source: Acta Neurochirurgica - Category: Neurosurgery Source Type: research