Abstract

CERQUEIRA, Arlei; PEREIRA JUNIOR, Fernando Bastos; AZEVEDO, Marília Spínola  and  FERREIRA, Thaise Gomes. Reconstruction of frontal vault with a polymethylmethacrylate implant: a report of two cases. Rev. cir. traumatol. buco-maxilo-fac. [online]. 2011, vol.11, n.3, pp. 61-68. ISSN 1808-5210.

The choice of a replacement for bone and the reconstruction of large defects is still a challenge for maxillofacial surgery. For cranial reconstruction, two main groups of materials have been used, namely autogenous bone grafts and alloplastic materials, such as titanium, high-density polyethylene (Medpor) and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). The confection of a PMMA prosthesis can be done preoperatively, using biomodels of rapid prototyping or during the operative procedure, when it is molded directly onto the tissues. The aim of this study is to report the use of PMMA in craniofacial reconstruction in two clinical cases, successfully treated with different techniques. In the first case an excision of the tumor was performed on a frontal sinus, with the contour being restored using the direct technique; in the second case the reconstruction of a sequela of a traumatic cranial injury was done using the indirect technique and a biomodel. Benefits were observed with use of biomodels permitting rapid prototyping, such as a decrease in morbidity and operative time, as well as the improved quality of the prothesis

Keywords : Surgery, Oral; Polymethyl Methacrylate; Models, anatomic; Diagnosis, Computer- Assisted.