Abstract
BackgroundPatients who undergo decompressive craniectomy (DC) are often fitted with a helmet that protects the craniectomy site from injury during rehabilitation. However, conventional “one-size-fits-all” helmets may not be feasible for certain craniectomy defects. We describe the production and use of a custom 3D-printed helmet for a DC patient where a conventional helmet was not feasible due to the craniectomy defect configuration.Case presentationA 65-year-old male with ethmoid sinonasal carcinoma underwent cranionasal resection and DC with free vastus lateralis flap reconstruction to treat cerebrospinal fluid leakage. He required an external helmet to protect the craniectomy site, however, the rim of a conventional helmet compressed the craniectomy site, and the straps compressed the vascular pedicle of the muscle flap. Computed topography (CT) scans of the patient’s cranium were imported into 3D modelling software and used to fabricate a patient-specific, strapless helmet using fused deposition modelling (FDM). The final helmet fit the patient perfectly and circumvented the compression issues, while also providing better cosmesis than the conventional helmet. Four months postoperatively, the helmet remains intact and in use.Conclusions3D printing can be used to produce low-volume, patient-specific external devices for rehabilitation where standardized adjuncts are not optimal. Once initial start-up costs and training are overcome, these devices can be produced by surgeons themselves to meet a wide range of clinical needs.
Highlights
Patients who undergo decompressive craniectomy (DC) are often fitted with a helmet that protects the craniectomy site from injury during rehabilitation
Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is a neurosurgical procedure used to treat life-threatening elevations in intracranial pressure caused by cerebral edema
Patients are left at risk for severe brain injury in the event of a traumatic impact to the craniectomy site, with death having been reported as a result [1, 2]
Summary
Patients who undergo decompressive craniectomy (DC) are often fitted with a helmet that protects the craniectomy site from injury during rehabilitation. Conclusions: 3D printing can be used to produce low-volume, patient-specific external devices for rehabilitation where standardized adjuncts are not optimal.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.