• Yadranko Ducic.
• Department of Otolaryngology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA. yducic@aol.com
• J. Oral Maxillofac. Surg. 2002 Mar 1; 60 (3): 272-6.

PurposeThis article describes the use of titanium mesh and hydroxyapatite cement constructs for the treatment of large through-and-through calvarial defects.Patients And MethodsTwenty consecutive calvarial defects (10 to 156 cm(2)) that resulted from surgical removal of neoplasms or were secondary to trauma were reviewed retrospectively after reconstruction with titanium mesh and hydroxyapatite cement. All patients were followed up by clinical examination and periodic radiographic studies for a minimum of 6 months (range, 6 months to 3 years). Three patients underwent biopsy of the construct at various points during their follow-up.ResultsThere was no evidence of adverse healing, wound infection, or implant exposure or extrusion in any of the patients reviewed. Adequate 3-dimensional aesthetic restoration of calvarial contour was noted in each case. There was evidence of osseous ingrowth into the titanium mesh and hydroxyapatite cement construct in all 3 patients who underwent biopsy.ConclusionTitanium mesh and hydroxyapatite cement cranioplasty appears to be a reasonable method for the reconstruction of significant calvarial defects.Copyright 2002 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

11 keywords...

hide…