Methylmetacrylate (PMMA) cranioplasty technique: Technical interest of intraoperative modeling and review of the literature

Abstract

Reconstruction of bone loss in the cranial vault may be necessary for functional or aesthetic reasons following trauma, decompression craniectomy, or craniofacial malformations. Many techniques have been described in the literature, using various materials, each with its own advantages and drawbacks. Reconstruction with polymethylmetacrylate cement has the advantage of a durable result and relative ease of use. In this article we present our cement cranioplasty technique through 4 clinical cases of cranial vault reconstruction, by direct intraoperative modeling on the bone defect. This accessible, effective method, applicable to all sizes of defect, remains an attractive option in the arsenal of techniques available today.

Keywords: Cranioplastie; Cranioplasty; Intraoperative modeling; Modelage peropératoire; Polymethylmethacrylate/PMMA; Reconstruction de la voûte crânienne; Vault reconstruction.