Clinical application of computer-aided design of composite materials with epoxide acrylate maleic and hydroxyapatite in cranioplasty

Objective To evaluate the effect of computer-aided design of composite materials with epoxide acrylate maleic （E） and hydroxyapatite （H） in cranioplasty. Methods A total of 45 patients with cranium defects were treated with cranioplasty by using skull bone flaps made of composite materials including epoxide acrylate maleic （E） and hydroxyapatite （H） ,which was designed with computer aid according to individual requirements. The patients were followed up for 6-36 months. Results After cranioplasty with composite EH, there occurred subcutaneous fluid in one patient and mild bone collapse in one. The composite EH showed good histocompatibility, with no infection or rejection. Conclusion During cranioplasty, use of computer-aided design of composite EH takes advantages of good accuracy, short operation time, good biocompatibility and good clinical efficiency. Key words: Skull fractures;  Biocompatible materials;  Computer-assisted design