Treatment of large complex cranial bone defects by using hydroxyapatite ceramic implants

Hydroxyapatite ceramic implants were used in the reconstruction of very large and complex-form cranial bone defects in nine patients. The bone defects were the result of craniectomy after infections and other complications such as severe brain edema, after neurosurgery, and as a result of trauma, subdural hemorrhage, and surgery for brain tumor. The size, shape, and curvature of the hydroxyapatite ceramic implants were determined based on high-precision, full-scale models fabricated through a laser lithographic molding method by using computed tomographic data. The use of this method allowed the fabrication of hydroxyapatite ceramic implants of shapes that accurately matched the area of bone defect, allowing for a minimum of adjustment during the operation even with a complex-form implantation. Not only were good cranial contour reconstructed and aesthetically satisfactory results obtained in the cases treated by incorporating this series of techniques, but neurologic conditions present in some cases were also improved to some extent. The postoperative course has been steady for all nine patients, with no blood transfusions required during or after the operations and no implants requiring removal because of infection or other postoperative complications. The average length of postoperative hospitalization for the nine cases was 11.7 days, remarkably short considering the clinical conditions.