Three-dimensional cranioplasty with polyetheretherketone (PEEK): a case report

Authors

  • Santiago Núñez Velasco Antiguo Hospital Civil de Guadalajara, Jalisco, México
  • Geannyne Villegas Rivera Universidad de Guadalajara, Jalisco, México
  • Ulises Alfonso Jiménez Cervantes Antiguo Hospital Civil de Guadalajara, Jalisco, México
  • Laura Berenice Rosas Trujillo Universidad de Guadalajara, Jalisco, México
  • Israel Barbosa Contreras Universidad de Guadalajara, Jalisco, México
  • Karla Anahí López Zamudio Centro de Investigación Clínica y Medicina Traslacional, Jalisco, México

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59156/74rypa85

Keywords:

Cranioplasty, Neurosurgery, PEEK implant, Traumatic brain injury

Abstract

Background: cranioplasty is a fundamental procedure for cerebral protection and for restoring the anatomical and functional integrity of the cranial vault. In recent years, several studies have suggested that patient-specific polyetheretherketone (PEEK) implants may offer advantages over other materials, including accurate anatomical adaptation, satisfactory aesthetic outcomes, and a favorable safety profile.

Objectives: to report a clinical case of cranioplasty using a prefabricated PEEK implant and to describe the patient’s clinical and functional outcomes.

Case description: 23-year-old male patient with a history of severe traumatic brain injury requiring decompressive craniectomy. During follow-up, he developed a residual right parietotemporal skull defect associated with sinking of the skin flap, without evidence of active intracranial lesions, and with preserved neurological and functional status at the time of preoperative evaluation.

Surgery: a right-sided cranioplasty with a prefabricated PEEK implant was performed without intraoperative complications. The postoperative course was uneventful, with satisfactory clinical evolution and good implant tolerance.

Conclusion: patient-specific cranioplasty with PEEK proved to be a viable and effective option for cranial defect reconstruction in this case, achieving favorable clinical and aesthetic outcomes.

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References

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Published

2025-12-01

How to Cite

[1]
Núñez Velasco, S. et al. 2025. Three-dimensional cranioplasty with polyetheretherketone (PEEK): a case report. Revista Argentina de Neurocirugía. 39, 4 (Dec. 2025). DOI:https://doi.org/10.59156/74rypa85.