Acrylic Cranial Implant: An Alternative Vector in Management of Cranial Defect

In a pediatric patient with cranial defect, in order to replace the missing portion of the cranium, an acrylic cranial implant was fabricated prior to the surgical procedure. The primary aim was to fabricate this cranial implant prior to the surgical procedure and with optimum fit. A customized hand-sculpted acrylic cranial implant fabricated by lost wax technique was made prior to the surgery and with adequate precision. The prefabricated cranial implant was used by neurosurgeons on the patient in order to restore the continuity of bone (by the acrylic cranioplast) over the cranial defect, improving the aesthetics and more importantly providing protection to the vital neural tissue. Though with recent advancements (like computer-aided design and manufacturing, and rapid prototyping), rapidity and precision can be achieved in the fabrication of cranial prosthesis, yet most of the apparatus may not be amenable in every setup and may not be affordable by all patients. A simple, operator-friendly technique which acquires satisfactory precision has been described for a patient much in need. Optimal postoperatory results were attained.