Three-dimensional reconstruction of a defect of the frontozygomatic area by custom made Proplast II implant

Abstract 

Alloplastic materials are a valid alternative to autologous bone grafts in contour defects of the facial skeleton. Biomaterials also reduce donor site morbidity. In addition, alloplastic materials can be contoured exactly as needed. Computed tomography (CT) scan digital data can be computed into three-dimensional data for 1:1 stereolithographic reconstruction of the complete skull or segments as required. The design of an implant for defect reconstruction may even be computed as a mirror image of the unaffected undeformed side. Therefore it is common to perform phantom operations on stereolithographically built models from the patient’s head before a complex reconstruction is done. Proplast II has an advantage over other materials, such as hydroxyapatite, titanum, gold, silicone, and polymethylmetacrylate (PMMA), because of the low weight, the fact that the material can be carved with a sharp scalpel, and the possible integration into fibrous and bone tissue. Proplast II is semirigid and can easily be sutured to the bony defect.