Introduction:

Cranial defects tend to carry functional and aesthetic consequences for the patient. The most suitable material to be used remains controversial.

Methods:

We report a retrospective review of patients whose cranial defects were reconstructed using a computer designed polyetheretherketone (PEEK)-patient specific implant) between 2008 and 2014 at the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, in Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid. Implants are designed individually to each patient with CAD-CAM system.

Results:

Seven patients underwent cranial reconstruction using a PEEK-patient specific implant. One case involved a one-step primary reconstruction and the rest of cases underwent a delayed reconstruction. Complications were: one seroma and one CSF leak, resolved with conservative treatment, and a wound dehiscence and an infection case whose defect was near the frontal sinus, resolved with removal of the implant.

Conclusion:

The ideal material for reconstructing cranial defects does not exist, but PEEK has demonstrated good outcomes. When autologous bone is not available or in selected cases with large defects, PEEK is a good option to reconstruct these defects. However, if the defect is related with paranasal sinuses, indication must be evaluated.

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