The Research And Clinical Applications For The Reconstruction Of Skull Defet Based On Digitization Prototyping Technique

Objective: To investigate the advantages of digital plastic titanium mesh in repairing skull defect。Methods:Forty patients, aged from 18 to 65, with an average age of 41 yrs old, were enrolled in this study. The patients were separated into two groups. 19 patients used digital plastic titanium mesh to repair skull defects, the rest used hand-shaping titanium mesh or autologous bone. For the former group, a set of 2-Dimension data was obtained by CT scanning before operation, then the data was transferred into 3-D formation by GEADW4.4 workstation. Computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing technology were adopted to create individualized 3-D titanium implants, which were used for repairing skull defect. Postoperative CT scans and follow-up survey were made to evaluate the adaptation of different repairing materials with the skull. The data of other factors, such as operation time, intra-operative blood loss,postoperative complications and appearance, was also collected andcompared between the two groups..Results:Application of digital technology in repairing craniofacial bone defects significantly reduced operative time, blood loss and postoperative complications. Postoperative CT scans showed that plastic titanium mesh had appropriate radian and was symmetric with the opposite site. Thus the plastic titanium mesh adapts well with the skull and had a quite good appearance. These significant advantages make plastic titanium implants a priority choice in repairing skull defect.Conclusion: This study shows that digital technology titanium mesh repair skull defects can vary, personalized repair craniofacial defects, not simply restore craniofacial appearance, and help reduce operative time, blood loss, and reduce complications increase the appearance of postoperative satisfaction, better promote the neurological and psychological rehabilitation.