Cranioplasty with the Porous Polyethylene Implant(Medpor) for Large Cranial Defect

Objective : This paper describes our experience and implant technique for cranioplasty of a large cranial defects using a porous polyethylene implant[Medpor] and compares the results with polymethylmethacrylate[PMMA]. Methods : Sixteen cranioplasties were performed using Medpor[n= 10] and PMMA[n=6] implants between June 2003 and January 2005. The criterion for patient enrollment was a defect larger than 10cm in diameter. This study compared the operation times and complications. Results : The operation times ranged from 105 to 250minutes[Mean $180^{\circ}{\pm}44minutes$) in Medpor and from 185 to 460minutes [mean 128minutes] in PMMA. The absolute operation times were shorter using the Medpor implant and the differences were statistically significant[P=0.030]. Satisfactory cosmetic results were obtained in all cases using the Medpor implant and with no implant-related complications. Bone ingrowth to the medpor implant was presumed to be the result on an increase in Houndsfield units of the implant, particularly at the marginal areas in the serial follow-up brain computed tomography images. Conclusion : It is believed that the properties of a Medpor implant make this implant an good alternative to the existing methods of a cranial contour correction. However, a further follow-up study will be needed.