One-step primary reconstruction for complex craniofacial resection with PEEK custom-made implants.

PURPOSE: Reconstruction of large craniofacial defects has largely improved since custom-made implants have been developed in the past decade. For large lesions in fronto-orbital region (such as osteomeningioma), we applied a simple and reliable protocol to perform optimal primary reconstruction with PEEK (polyetheretherketone) specific implant at the same time of the resection.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Our protocol is based on virtual preoperative surgery with a planned bone resection that allows engineering of a specific implant to accurately fit to the defect during the surgery. Thus tumour removal and optimal immediate reconstruction are performed easily in a single-step procedure. The use of navigation is required to perform accurate resection according to the planning. We report our experience in five patients requiring complex orbito-frontal reconstruction.

RESULTS: Planned resection was always achieved with accurate placement of the implant. Optimal orbital reconstruction is allowed and permits exophthalmos correction and orbital contour symmetry. No major complication was observed.

CONCLUSION: We provide a simple one-step technique to reconstruct the orbit while achieving symmetric cosmetic and functional results, reducing operative time and avoiding donor site morbidity.