Late Frontal Bone Reconstruction Using Three-Dimensional Printed Models for Titanium Mesh Customization: A Case Series

Abstract

The convex frontal bone is covered by thin skin rendering its reconstruction cosmetically challenging. Customized alloplastic implants provide better contouring than autologous bone, yet their high cost and availability limit their application. We assess customized titanium mesh implants pre-contoured using patient specific 3-D printed models for late frontal cranioplasty. We retrospectively analyzed the prospectively collected cases of unilateral frontal titanium mesh cranioplasty with 3-D printing assisted preplanning from 2017 to 2019. We used two 3-D printed patient specific skull models for preoperative planning: the mirrored normal model for implant contouring, and the defect model for edge trimming and fixation planning. The endoscope was used in four cases for percutaneous mesh fixation. We documented postoperative complications. We assessed the reconstruction symmetry clinically, and radiologically on postoperative computed tomography. 15 patients were included. The duration after previous surgery ranged from 8-24 months. Four patients developed complications that were managed conservatively. Favorable cosmetic outcomes were achieved in all patients. Pre-contouring of titanium mesh implants using in-house 3-D printed models could optimize cosmetic and surgical outcomes in late frontal cranioplasty. Preoperative planning could permit minimal access surgery that could be aided by the endoscope in select cases.