A classification of cranial implants based on the degree of difficulty in computer design and manufacture

Background Skull defects usually create aesthetic and functional disturbances to the patient. These defects are currently reconstructed by using computer-aided design and manufacturing processes. Classification of skull defects becomes important in discussing the complexity of reconstruction in clinical practice or comparing clinical results in scientific articles. Methods A more comprehensive classification, which takes into account not only the anatomical location but also the degree of difficulty in designing and manufacturing the implant, is presented here. It is not our intention to describe the different treatment modalities; therefore, only two clinical examples are presented to demonstrate the purpose of classification. Results The new classification enables a more detailed comparison of the clinical outcome of different modes of treatment for skull defects. Conclusions The proposed classification reflects the degree of difficulty in designing and manufacturing of implants and can be very useful when comparing treatment results of skull defects for clinical or scientific purposes. Copyright (C) 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.