Satisfaction after total knee arthroplasty: a prospective matched-pair analysis of patients with customised individually made and off-the-shelf implants.

PURPOSE: Customised individually made (CIM) total knee arthroplasty (TKA) was introduced to potentially improve patient satisfaction and other patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). The purpose of this study was to compare PROMs, especially patient satisfaction, of patients with CIM and OTS TKA in a matched-pair analysis with a 2-year follow-up. METHODS: This is a prospective cohort study with a propensity score matching of 85 CIM and 85 off-the-shelf (OTS) TKA. Follow-up was at 4 months, 1 year and 2 years. The primary outcome was patient satisfaction. Secondary outcomes were as follows: overall improvement, willingness to undergo the surgery again, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Forgotten Joint Score (FJS-12), High-Activity Arthroplasty Score (HAAS), EQ-5D-3L, EQ-VAS, Knee Society Score (KSS) and surgeon satisfaction. RESULTS: Patient satisfaction ranged from 86 to 90% and did not differ between CIM and OTS TKA. The EQ-VAS after 4 months and the HAAS after 1 year and 2 years were higher for CIM TKA. KOOS, FJS-12 and EQ-5D-3L were not different at follow-up. The changes in KOOS symptoms, pain and daily living were higher for OTS TKA. The KSS was higher for patients with CIM TKA. Surgeon satisfaction was high throughout both groups. Patients who were satisfied after 2 years did not differ preoperatively from those who were not satisfied. Postoperatively, all PROMs were better for satisfied patients. Patient satisfaction was not correlated with patient characteristics, implant or preoperative PROMs, and medium to strongly correlated with postoperative PROMs. CONCLUSION: Patient satisfaction was high with no differences between patients with CIM and OTS TKA. Both implant systems improved function, pain and health-related quality of life. Patients with CIM TKA showed superior results in demanding activities as measured by the HAAS. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II, prospective cohort study.

Intraosseous hemangioma of the orbit: a case report involving pre-operative embolization with reconstruction using a custom porous polyethylene implant.

A 28-year-old female presented with a slowly enlarging, left cheek mass over two years. She underwent neuroimaging and was found to have a well-defined, low attenuating lesion with thickened vertical trabeculation of the left zygoma, consistent with intraosseous hemangioma. To minimize the risk of severe intraoperative hemorrhage, the patient underwent embolization of the mass by neuro-interventional radiology two days prior to resection. The patient subsequently underwent a left anterior orbitotomy and partial zygoma resection followed by reconstruction of the lateral orbit with a custom porous polyethylene zygomaxillary implant. The postoperative course was uneventful with a good cosmetic outcome.

Short-term outcomes of reverse shoulder arthroplasty using a custom baseplate for severe glenoid deficiency.

HYPOTHESIS AND BACKGROUND: Complex glenoid bone loss and deformity present a challenge for the shoulder arthroplasty surgeon. Eccentric reaming, bone grafting, augmented glenoid components, and salvage hemiarthroplasty are common strategies for managing these patients. The glenoid vault reconstruction system (VRS; Zimmer-Biomet) is a novel solution for both primary and revision arthroplasty using a custom glenoid baseplate. We hypothesized that patients undergoing reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) with VRS would have acceptable short-term outcomes and complication rates. METHODS: Patients who underwent RSA with VRS for severe glenoid deformity or bone loss by one of 4 board-certified, fellowship-trained shoulder and elbow surgeons at 3 academic tertiary referral centers between September 2015 and November 2018 were eligible for inclusion. Patient data were obtained via medical record review and telephone questionnaires. The Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form (ASES), Penn Shoulder Scores, and range of motion (ROM) measurements were obtained pre- and postoperatively. Radiographs were reviewed at final follow-up for evidence of component loosening or hardware failure. Any complication was documented. Outcomes were compared using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests with P <. 05 considered significant. RESULTS: Twelve shoulders (11 patients) were included with a mean age of 68 years; 7 were primary arthroplasties and 5 were revisions. At an average follow-up time of 30 months, median improvement in NPRS score was 7 points, SANE score 43%, ASES score 45 points, and Penn Shoulder Score 49 points. There were statistically significant improvements in median ROM measurements (forward elevation 20°, external rotation 40°, internal rotation 2 spinal levels). At final follow-up, all implants were radiographically stable without loosening. There were no complications. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that RSA using the custom VRS glenoid implant is a safe and effective technique addressing complex glenoid deformity or bone loss in both primary and revision settings. At short-term follow-up, all patient-reported outcomes and ROM measures improved significantly, and there were no complications. Future work should determine mid- and long-term outcomes, preferably in a prospective manner with defined patient populations.

Use of Three-dimensional Titanium Trusses for Arthrodesis Procedures in Foot and Ankle Surgery: A Retrospective Case Series.

Periarticular osseous defects pose a challenge when considering arthrodesis. Failure to restore the cubic content of bone can result in shortening and malalignment, as well as subsequent biomechanical issues. This study reports on 12 patients treated with patient-specific 3-D printed (7) and prefabricated titanium trusses (5). Twelve consecutive patients were treated for osseous defects of the forefoot, hindfoot, and ankle with patient-specific, 3D printed or prefabricated manufacturer titanium trusses. Seven were customized, patient-specific 3D printed trusses (4WEB, Frisco, Texas) and 5 were prefabricated manufacturer titanium trusses. All patients had a minimum of 6 months of clinical and radiographic follow-up. and no patients were lost to follow-up. Seven of the 12 patients had a computed tomography (CT) scan performed following surgery. Successful limb or ray salvage was achieved in 11 of 12 patients (91.7%). Six of 7 patients (85.7%) with a postoperative CT scan, went on to complete radiographic consolidation across all arthrodesis sites. The remaining 5 patients showed complete consolidation across the arthrodesis sites on plain film radiographs. Complications included one patient with a residual midfoot deformity that required a subsequent midfoot osteotomy in order to obtain a plantigrade foot following successful tibiotalocalcaneal (TTC) arthrodesis, and a below knee amputation in one patient who underwent revision TTC arthrodesis to salvage avascular necrosis of the talus that developed following the index procedure. Eleven of 12 patients undergoing arthrodesis demonstrated successful union with both customized, patient-specific 3D printed and prefabricated manufacturer titanium trusses on CT scans or radiographs. The average follow-up was 14 months. Reports on traditional methods of addressing periarticular defects in patients requiring arthrodesis show mixed results and relatively high complication rates. Custom, 3D printed and prefabricated titanium truss technology offers an alternative to traditional methods for large, periarticular osseous defects.

Total Talar Replacements Short-Medium Term Case Series, South Africa 2019.

There are few surgical options available to manage complex talar pathology that result in predictably acceptable functional and patient satisfaction scores. Recently, total talar replacement has gained popularity as a viable option. This study presents the clinical outcomes of a case series of total talar replacements in South Africa. A review of data for 8 (N = 8) consecutive patients who underwent total talus replacement between July 2014 and August 2018 was performed. The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society hindfoot score was used to assess clinical function and the Short Form-36 was used to assess patient satisfaction. Patient demographics as well as data on pathology, range of motion, gait analysis, and radiological outcomes were included. The mean age was 46 (range, 23-71) years. Pathologies included trauma, avascular necrosis, and tumors. The mean duration of follow-up was 23 (range, 12-49) months. The mean American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society score was 79.25 (range, 69-88) and the mean Short Form-36 satisfaction score was 83.25 (range, 60-93). No revision surgeries have been performed to date. Seven patients demonstrated a mildly abnormal gait and 1 revealed a moderately abnormal gait. The patient with the longest duration of follow-up showed radiological changes of tibial wear, although he remained symptom free. Our experience with the patients described in this report leads us to believe that total talar replacement is a viable surgical option in appropriately selected patients with end-stage talar pathology in the short to medium term, without compromising future salvage options.

Workflow for highly porous resorbable custom 3D printed scaffolds using medical grade polymer for large volume alveolar bone regeneration.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigates the design, workflow, and manufacture of highly porous, resorbable additively manufactured, 3-dimensional (3D) custom scaffolds for the regeneration of large volume alveolar bone defects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Computed tomography (CT) scans of 5 posterior mandibular vertical bone defects were obtained. Surface masks (3D surface contours) of the recipient site were first isolated using a contrast threshold, transformed into 3D objects, and used to guide the formation of custom implant template models. To determine model accuracy and fit, the gap and overlap between the patient geometry models and the idealized template 3D models were quantified. Models were 3D printed from medical grade polycaprolactone (PCL) into porous scaffolds. For scaffold dimensional quantification, scaffolds were scanned using a micro-computed tomography (µCT) scanner. RESULTS: The design and printing processes each achieved dimensional errors of <200 µm on average. The average gap between the template implant model and the scanned scaffold model was found to be 74 ± 14 µm. The printed scaffold was confirmed as having a porosity of 83.91%, a mean polymer or filament thickness of 200 ± 46 µm, and a mean pore size of 590 ± 243 µm. CONCLUSION: The approach described in this study is straightforward, adaptable to a range of patient geometries, and results in the formation of reproducible, dimensionally accurate custom implants. These highly porous 3D structures manufactured from resorbable medical grade material represent a potentially transformative technology toward the clinical implementation of scaffold-guided bone regeneration procedures.

Long-term results of custom-made femoral stems.

BACKGROUND: The progress of 3D imaging and manufacturing of implants has made it possible to achieve a custom-made concept in THA. The custom-made cementless femoral stem provides optimal implant stability combined with restoration of the native hip mechanics. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term survivorship of custom-made hip femoral stems in two populations of patients undergoing THA: patients under 50 years old (young patients group) and patients with high-grade developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH group). METHODS: A series of 232 primary custom-made cementless THA stems were retrospectively evaluated in patients less than 50 years old at the time of surgery and at follow-up after an average of 20 years. A second series of 26 custom-made cementless stem THAs for late DDH (21 patients) including only Crowe grade III and grade IV were also retrospectively evaluated with an average follow-up of 16 years. The clinical and radiological evaluations were performed preoperatively and at yearly intervals. RESULTS: For the young patient group, the follow-up ranged from 14 to 27 years. The HHS and the Merle D'Aubigne-Postel score significantly improved from preoperatively to a mean of 94.1 (range 48-100) and 15.9 (range 9-18), respectively. Taking stem revision for aseptic loosening as an endpoint, survivorship was 96.8% at 20 years (95% confidence interval, CI 95.1-98.5). For the DDH group, the follow-up ranged from 10 to 22 years. The mean HHS increased significantly from preoperative 49 ± 22 points to the most recent follow-up examination with 86 13 points and survivorship was 96.1% (95% CI, 92.7-99.9). CONCLUSION: Custom-made femoral stems provide good functional outcome and long-term survivorship in two specific populations of patients undergoing THAs: patients under 50 years old with high expectations and patients with high-grade DDH.

Large Osseous Defect Reconstruction Using a Custom Three-Dimensional Printed Titanium Truss Implant.

Treatment of large osseous defects remains a difficult surgical challenge. Autografts and allografts have been known to undergo late collapse, because these options are not specifically designed to withstand the high loads of the foot and ankle. The inability to achieve the correct shape for reconstruction further limits their application. Large osseous defects will result during salvage after failed Lapidus bunionectomy, explantation of failed total ankle replacements, and nonunion of Evans calcaneal osteotomy. Each of 3 patients received a 4WEB custom 3-dimensional (3D) titanium truss implant (Patient Specific Custom Implant; 4WEB Medical, Inc., Frisco, TX) for reconstruction. The mean follow-up period was 17.33 ± 3.51 months. Significant improvement was seen in pain, with a successful return to activities of daily living. The 12-month postoperative computed tomography findings demonstrated incorporation of the implant to the surrounding cortical and cancellous bone. No signs of delayed complications, such as stress shielding or implant failure, were found. This is the first case series to describe the use of a custom 3D-printed titanium truss implant to successfully contribute to reconstruction in the setting of failed elective foot and ankle surgery. This technology might play an important role in limb salvage of osseous defects that would otherwise require bone block arthrodesis with structural allograft or autograft bone.

Shoulder arthroplasty in patients with osteo-chondrodysplasias.

PURPOSE: Osteo-chondrodysplasias are a rare cause of limb malalignment, deformity and degenerative joint disease. Earlier in life, deformities may be managed with bony realignment and soft tissue releases; however, as degenerative changes progress, arthroplasty may be considered. There are limited reports examining shoulder arthroplasty in this population. This study aims to assess pain relief, function, and re-operation rate of shoulder arthroplasty in patients with osteo-chondrodysplasias. METHODS: Between January 1984 and December 2012, 13 shoulders with end-stage arthritis secondary to osteo-chondrodysplasia underwent shoulder arthroplasty. Three were treated with hemiarthroplasty (HA), nine with anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA), and one with a reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). All shoulders were followed for two years or until reoperation (mean 7.9 years, range 2-25). RESULTS: Shoulder arthroplasty significantly improved pain, elevation, external rotation, and internal rotation. All but one patient considered their shoulder to be better than pre-operatively; however, only two shoulders received an excellent Neer rating. Seven shoulders had satisfactory Neer ratings and four unsatisfactory. One TSA was converted to a RSA for aseptic glenoid loosening at 9.5 years (re-operation rate 8%). DISCUSSION: Pain relief and improved function can be expected in patients with osteo-chondrodysplasias despite challenging anatomy. Unlike the only previous case series reporting a 31% revision rate at mean follow-up of seven years, our series shows the incidence of failure to be much lower. CONCLUSIONS: With the advent of smaller humeral components, the need for custom implants may not be necessary, and surgeons may intervene earlier and more confidently in this population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV case series.

Revision arthroplasty with a hip-inspired computer-assisted design/computer-assisted manufacturing implant for glenoid-deficient shoulders.

BACKGROUND: Revision arthroplasty for failed post-traumatic humeral head replacement associated with rotator cuff and glenoid deficiency is challenging. Current surgical solutions are fraught with complications, and no best-practice strategy has been established. We hypothesized that the computer-assisted design/computer-assisted manufacturing (CAD/CAM) shoulder (Stanmore Implants, Elstree, UK), a total shoulder design resembling a total hip prosthesis, can offer a reliable alternative in this surgically challenging subset of patients with rotator cuff deficiency and advanced glenoid bone loss. METHODS: Twenty-one patients with failed post-traumatic humeral head replacement associated with rotator cuff and glenoid deficiency underwent revision with CAD/CAM shoulders between 2005 and 2010. Clinical data were collected prospectively and analyzed at a mean follow-up of 3 years. RESULTS: After revision, the pain rating at rest (on a 0-10 numerical scale) decreased from 5.6 ± 1.3 to 1.1 ± 1.3 (P < .001) and pain during activity decreased from 7.4 ± 1.2 to 2.1 ± 1.8 (P < .001). The Oxford shoulder score improved from 47 ± 6 to 31 ± 9 (P < .001), and the subjective shoulder value (on a 0%-100% scale) improved from 22% ± 14% to 45% ± 18% (P < .001). Active shoulder range of motion was similar before and after revision. Postoperative complications occurred in 9 patients and included 1 infection, 2 periprosthetic fractures, 2 prosthetic dislocations, and 4 fixation screw fractures. No case of glenoid loosening occurred. CONCLUSION: The CAD/CAM shoulder offers a reliable method of securing a glenoid component in shoulders with advanced glenoid deficiency and should be considered as an alternative to other surgical methods in these challenging cases. At 3 years' follow-up, pain and clinical scores improved significantly and no case of glenoid loosening occurred.

Changes in walking function and neural control following pelvic cancer surgery with reconstruction.

Introduction: Surgical planning and custom prosthesis design for pelvic cancer patients are challenging due to the unique clinical characteristics of each patient and the significant amount of pelvic bone and hip musculature often removed. Limb-sparing internal hemipelvectomy surgery with custom prosthesis reconstruction has become a viable option for this patient population. However, little is known about how post-surgery walking function and neural control change from pre-surgery conditions. Methods: This case study combined comprehensive walking data (video motion capture, ground reaction, and electromyography) with personalized neuromusculoskeletal computer models to provide a thorough assessment of pre- to post-surgery changes in walking function (ground reactions, joint motions, and joint moments) and neural control (muscle synergies) for a single pelvic sarcoma patient who received internal hemipelvectomy surgery with custom prosthesis reconstruction. Pre- and post-surgery walking function and neural control were quantified using pre- and post-surgery neuromusculoskeletal models, respectively, whose pelvic anatomy, joint functional axes, muscle-tendon properties, and muscle synergy controls were personalized using the participant's pre-and post-surgery walking and imaging data. For the post-surgery model, virtual surgery was performed to emulate the implemented surgical decisions, including removal of hip muscles and implantation of a custom prosthesis with total hip replacement. Results: The participant's post-surgery walking function was marked by a slower self-selected walking speed coupled with several compensatory mechanisms necessitated by lost or impaired hip muscle function, while the participant's post-surgery neural control demonstrated a dramatic change in coordination strategy (as evidenced by modified time-invariant synergy vectors) with little change in recruitment timing (as evidenced by conserved time-varying synergy activations). Furthermore, the participant's post-surgery muscle activations were fitted accurately using his pre-surgery synergy activations but fitted poorly using his pre-surgery synergy vectors. Discussion: These results provide valuable information about which aspects of post-surgery walking function could potentially be improved through modifications to surgical decisions, custom prosthesis design, or rehabilitation protocol, as well as how computational simulations could be formulated to predict post-surgery walking function reliably given a patient's pre-surgery walking data and the planned surgical decisions and custom prosthesis design.

Custom Patient-Specific 3D-Printed Titanium Truss Tibiotalocalcaneal Arthrodesis Implants for Failed Total Ankle Replacements: Classification, Technical Tips, and Treatment Algorithm.

BACKGROUND: The management of failed total ankle replacements, with significant loss of bone stock, is challenging with high rates of complications and associated morbidity. Recent technological advances have enabled the development of patient-customized 3D-printed titanium truss arthrodesis implants, which offer an alternative salvage option for failed total ankle replacements. METHODS: A prospective observational study was performed of 6 cases of failed total ankle replacements that were managed using custom patient-specific 3D-printed titanium truss arthrodesis implants. Technical tips, classification, and a treatment algorithm were developed based on our initial experience. RESULTS: Between November 2018 and March 2022, 6 patients underwent arthrodesis for failed total ankle replacements. Follow-up was available for all cases. The mean follow-up was 3.0 years (range 1-4.5). The mean MOXFQ Index improved from 73.1 to 32.3 (P < .05). The mean EQ-5D-5L Index improved from 0.366 to 0.743 (P < .05) and the EQ-VAS also improved from 53.0 to 63.3 (P = .36). The mean VAS-Pain score at final follow-up was 27.5. There were no cases of nonunion. None of the patients were smokers. The overall complication rate was 50%. Two patients returned to surgery: one for wound washout following TAR explantation and a second for removal of metalwork 2 years following surgery for a prosthetic joint infection secondary to hematogenous spread. No patients underwent revision fixation or amputation. CONCLUSION: Custom patient-specific 3D-printed titanium truss arthrodesis implants are a viable treatment option for failed total ankle replacements.

Revision Distal Femoral Replacement Using Custom-made Stem and Cone to Augment Proximal Fixation.

Achieving bone fixation during megaprosthesis revision presents a formidable challenge in view of the substantial bone loss. We report treatment of a failed revision distal femoral replacement in an active 36-year-old male mechanic remotely treated for osteosarcoma. A custom stem and cone were manufactured to augment fixation and preserve bone stock within a short segment of the remaining proximal femur. The patient returned to regular function without the need for assistive devices. Follow-up imaging demonstrated stable implant fixation at 1-year follow-up. While cones and sleeves have vastly improved fixation in revision knee arthroplasty, a custom-made cone for the proximal femur was used to augment fixation of a revision megaprosthesis and obviate the use of a total femoral replacement.

The analysis of defects in custom 3D-printed acetabular cups: A comparative study of commercially available implants from six manufacturers.

Three-dimensional (3D) printing is used to manufacture custom acetabular cups to treat patients with massive acetabular defects. There is a risk of defects occurring in these, often in the form of structural voids. Our aim was to investigate the presence of voids in commercially available cups. We examined 12, final-production titanium custom acetabular cups, that had been 3D-printed by six manufacturers. We measured their mass, then performed micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) imaging to determine their volume and density. The micro-CT data were examined for the presence of voids. In cups that had voids, we computed (1) the number of voids, (2) their volume and the cup volume fraction, (3) their sphericity, (4) size, and (5) their location. The cups had median mass, volume, and density of 208.5 g, 46,471 mm3 , and 4.42 g/cm3 , respectively. Five cups were found to contain a median (range) of 90 (58-101) structural voids. The median void volume and cup volume fractions of cups with voids were 5.17 (1.05-17.33) mm3 and 99.983 (99.972-99.998)%, respectively. The median void sphericity and size were 0.47 (0.19-0.65) and 0.64 (0.27-8.82) mm, respectively. Voids were predominantly located adjacent to screw holes, within flanges, and at the transition between design features; these were between 0.17 and 4.66 mm from the cup surfaces. This is the first study to examine defects within final-production 3D-printed custom cups, providing data for regulators, surgeons, and manufacturers about the variability in final print quality. The size, shape, and location of these voids are such that there may be an increased risk of crack initiation from them.

Finite Element Analysis of Subperiosteal Implants in Edentulism-On the Basis of the MaI Implant® by Integra Implants®.

The MaI Implants® method offers a modern treatment option for specific patients who lack sufficient bone for traditional screw-based implants. The aim of the article is to use Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to examine the behavior of a subperiosteal implant under actual conditions within the oral cavity and to assess the impact of various mechanical factors on the durability of the MaI Implants®. A strength analysis was conducted using Finite Element Analysis for two models. The first was a single subperiosteal implant, while the second was a model of an arch consisting of two single subperiosteal implants connected by a bar. Based on the obtained results, it can be observed that the increase in load from 100 N to 800 N leads to an increase in displacements throughout the implant. Changing the angle from 90 to 30 degrees resulted in a 576% increase in the average displacement value across all multi-units. Stresses in the multi-units range from 23.7 MPa to 268.5 MPa. The lack of proper stabilization of the implant has the greatest impact on the results of displacements. Such displacements are significant for the later positioning of the implant compared to the initial conditions.

Additively Manufactured Lattice-like Subperiosteal Implants for Rehabilitation of the Severely Atrophic Ridge.

Subperiosteal implants represent an alternative implant approach for cases with severe bone atrophy. Although some successful clinical cases have been reported, the biomechanical stability of subperiosteal implants remains unclear, and more data are needed to confirm the feasibility of this approach. Therefore, this study investigated the biomechanical characteristics of subperiosteal implants based on histological observation, clinical cases, and finite element analysis. Finite element analysis indicated that subperiosteal implants with a lattice-like structure could better disperse the stress to the underlying bone surface. A novel customized subperiosteal implant was then digitally designed and fabricated using an additive manufacturing technology. Six beagle dogs received such customized subperiosteal implants. Histological and microcomputed tomography examination showed new bone growth into and around the implant. Patient-specific subperiosteal implants were placed into the edentulous mandibular bone, with immediate loading. The implant was functional, without pain or infection, over a 12 month observation period. Images taken 12 months post-operatively showed new bone formation and osseointegration of the device. This indicated that 3D-printed lattice-like subperiosteal implants have sufficient stability for the rehabilitation of severely atrophic ridges.

360 TOTUM ALIF for a Symptomatic Fractional Curve.

As patient-specific implants become a tool in the spine surgeon's arsenal, understanding how to effectively implement multiple systems in a single surgery requires careful planning. In Video 1, we describe our workflow for a total custom anterior lumbar interbody fusion, featuring patient-specific interbodies and rods. We discuss the required cross talk necessary to ensure maximum desired correction, as well as the logic for pursuing custom devices in this index case. Appropriate consent from the patient was obtained before the procedure.

Skull Reconstruction Using a Custom-Made, Three-Dimensional-Printed, Hydroxyapatite-Titanium Cranioplasty Implant: Largest Single-Center U.S. Experience.

OBJECTIVE: Although several material options, both natural and synthetic, are available for cranioplasty, the rate of implant-related complications has remained high. A relatively novel, synthetic hydroxyapatite-titanium implant, which combines biocompatibility with biomechanical resilience, has been reported to reduce tissue inflammation, infection, and explantation rates, while delivering superior cosmetic results. However, despite such promising preliminary reports, clinical data supporting its use have remained scarce. METHODS: All the patients who had undergone cranioplasty between 2019 and 2022 using this implant were identified from a prospectively maintained database. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed and the following variables recorded: demographic data, clinical data, radiologic findings, operative details, complications (implant-related and unrelated), and outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 18 patients (12 men and 6 women), with a mean age of 39 years (range, 20-70 years), were identified. The indications for craniectomy were traumatic brain injury (n = 13; 72.2%), hemorrhagic stroke (n = 3; 16.7%), and ischemic stroke (n = 2; 11.1%). The median time to cranioplasty was 140 days (range, 51-1717 days). The median modified Rankin scale score before cranioplasty was 4 (range, 0-5). Cranioplasty was technically successful in all 18 patients. Minor postoperative complications, none related to the implant, were managed conservatively in 3 patients (16.6%), including a small intraparenchymal hematoma in 1, an extra-axial hematoma in 1, and a seizure in 1. Of these 3 patients, 1 (5.6%) died 1 week later of a suspected pulmonary embolism. No implant-related complications occurred after a median follow-up of 6 months (range, 1-38 months). All 17 survivors exhibited some degree of neurologic improvement. The cosmetic result was good or excellent for all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience, the largest in the United States, confirms the previously reported benefits associated with the use of 3-dimensional-printed hydroxyapatite-titanium cranioplasty implants.

Skeletal Sarcomas: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Follow-up from the Orthopedic Oncologist Perspective.

This article focuses on skeletal sarcomas, a group of rare, heterogenous malignant tumors. We present information on the multi-disciplinary approach to the diagnosis, staging, treatment, and surveillance of these complex tumors that are critical to enhancing function and improving survival.

Surgical planning and finite element analysis for the neurocraneal protection in cranioplasty with PMMA: A case study.

New developments in terms of additive manufacturing, computational tools and mathematical simulation techniques have favored the development of successful methodologies for the restoration or restitution of bone structures in the human body. Likewise, achievements in Materials Science have allowed the development of biocompatible composites capable of achieving mechanical characteristics and biological similarities comparable to those of natural bone. Without considering the advantages and disadvantages of some biomaterials with respect to others, this research aims to evaluate the surgical planning, the design process, the impact resistance and the critical deflection of a customized cranial implant manufactured from polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). With the support of finite element methods (FEM), the level of neurocranial protection offered by the implant is assessed.