Combined surgical and prosthetic approach for rehabilitation of frontonasal defect using custom made titanium implant: a case report

Cranial vault deformities as a sequelae to trauma may be as high as 70%. The basic indications for cranioplasty are improvement of disfigured aesthetics and to provide protection to the intra-cranial contents. The possibility of producing custom-made implants opened a new era in the reconstructive surgery of the craniofacial deformities. The outcome of craniofacial bone reconstruction is thought to be dependent on surgical skills, quality of adjacent soft tissues, size and location of the bone defect and choice of repair method. The use of autologous bone for craniofacial reconstruction may be restricted due to limited amounts of donor bone. Combined surgical and prosthetic rehabilitation of these structures utilizing craniofacial implants is a viable option which offers several advantages when compared to surgical reconstructive techniques alone. Predictability and superior aesthetics are the major advantages of this technique. In addition to the advantages of good biocompatibility and mechanical strength, titanium also provides the advantage of being light in weight. This clinical report highlights the combined surgical and prosthetic approach for the successful management of frontonasal defect.