Onlay frontal cranioplasty using wire reinforced methyl methacrylate.

INTRODUCTION

Methyl methacrylate is a biologically inert alloplastic material that is commonly used to rebuild the calvarial vault. Since methyl methacrylate does not permit tissue incorporation it is susceptible to displacement and/or fracture. In order to increase the tensile strength of methyl methacrylate onlay cranioplasties, we use wire reinforced masonry techniques.

PATIENT: A 56-year-old female presents with forehead asymmetry due to displacement and fracture of a silicone alloplastic implant. This patient, treated with onlay wire reinforced methyl methacrylate, demonstrates the utility of this novel technique.

RESULTS

Wire is passed through 2-mm outer cortex tunnels like spokes on a wheel, around the perimeter of the defect to form a rebar grid. Methyl methacrylate is poured onto the rebar grid and contoured after it solidifies.

CONCLUSIONS

Wire reinforced methyl methacrylate is a simple technique to improve the tensile strength of calvarial alloplastic reconstructions.