Porous polyethylene implant for cranioplasty and skull base reconstruction.

Abstract

Cranial reconstruction after skull base surgery is important for restoration of function and cosmesis. The authors describe their experience with the Medpor porous polyethylene implant for cosmetic cranioplasty and reconstruction after skull base surgery. Medpor, a biocompatible implant, is flexible and can be contoured to facilitate surgical reconstruction of small to medium (< 8 cm) convexity or cranial base defects resulting from a variety of skull base approaches. This method provides similar cosmetic results to standard alloplast cranioplasty while decreasing operating time. The porous nature of the material allows ingrowth of soft tissue and bone to increase implant strength and decrease the risk of infection. This material can also be used safely in reconstruction of the cranium and skull base adjacent to the paranasal sinuses. The authors have used the Medpor porous polyethylene implant in 611 standard cranial and skull base procedures and have achieved excellent cosmetic results and no implant-related complications.