Craniofacial reconstruction

Clinical evidence: PEEK and titanium on cranial plates

White paper synthesis on customized cranial implants in PEEK-OPTIMA Natural and its comparison with titanium and autologous bone.

Technical view

Custom planning for complex defects

Implants produced by CAD/CAM can reproduce the patient's anatomy after trauma, cancer or infection. The PEEK combines radiolucency, resistance, modulus near the bone and possibility of small contour adjustments during the procedure.

Postoperative imaging

Absence of metal artifacts in CT and MRI and ultrasound permeability may facilitate follow-up.

Anatomical adjustment

The CAD/CAM flow allows planning large reconstructions and seeking symmetry and aesthetic result.

Structural performance

The bone-like resistance and modulus are relevant for large-scale cranial plaques.

Hospital flow

The planning and adjustment of the implant can reduce intraoperative steps and compensate part of the initial cost.

185 patients in the multicenter comparative study cited

17,3% complications with PEEK versus 31.8% with titanium in this study

94,7% aesthetic satisfaction with PEEK versus 80.9% with titanium

Comparative results cited

In the multicenter study with 185 patients, the PEEK group had a lower overall complication rate and greater aesthetic satisfaction. Differences in postoperative epilepsy, implant exposure and reoperation were also reported. The results belong to the populations and methods of the studies cited and do not guarantee individual performance.

What the meta-analysis showed

The review of 15 studies and 183 patients found trends of fewer complications and failures with PEEK compared to autologous bone and titanium. The differences did not reach statistical significance, probably due to the limited number of studies and patients.

Responsible clinical reading

The evidence suggests potential for good aesthetic and clinical results, but the indication depends on the defect, tissue condition, risk of infection, technique, implant design and evaluation of the medical team. Further studies are still needed.