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Commonly used materials in the repair of skull fractures and bone plates include titanium alloys, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), bioceramic ceramics, etc. Different materials have different properties. The following is a detailed introduction for you:
Titanium alloy
Excellent biocompatibility: Titanium alloy has good compatibility with human tissues. After being implanted in the human body, it is less likely to cause obvious immune rejection reactions. It can remain stably in the body for a long time without causing adverse effects on surrounding tissues and reducing the occurrence of postoperative complications.
Superior mechanical properties: It is lightweight yet highly strong, and also has a relatively high elastic modulus. It can effectively withstand the mechanical load of the skull, providing reliable support and protection for the skull and preventing external impacts from causing damage to the brain.
Strong corrosion resistance: In a fluid environment, titanium alloy has excellent corrosion resistance, which can remain stable for a long time, avoiding the release of harmful substances due to corrosion and causing harm to the human body, ensuring the long-term use effect of the material.
Good plasticity: It can be personalized processed and customized according to the specific shape of the patient’s skull defect, which can well restore the shape of the skull, achieve a better appearance effect, and also improve the accuracy of the surgery.
Good X-ray visualization: Titanium alloy can be clearly visualized in X-ray, CT and other imaging examinations, which is convenient for doctors to observe the fixation of the bone plate and the healing of the skull after the operation.
Polyetheretherketone (PEEK)
Good biocompatibility: When PEEK material comes into contact with human tissues, it can integrate well into the body and hardly cause rejection reactions from the immune system. Repairs made of PEEK material have fewer complications such as infection and rejection after surgery, and the recovery process of patients is usually smoother.
High strength and lightweight: Its strength is close to that of human bones, providing sufficient support and protection during cranioplasty. Meanwhile, it is much lighter than traditional metal materials, significantly reducing the burden on the patient’s head and minimizing discomfort.
Strong plasticity: Doctors can precisely customize the PEEK material based on the specific shape and requirements of the patient’s skull defect, making it perfectly fit the patient’s head structure, optimizing the repair effect, and ensuring that the appearance and function of the repaired body are as close as possible to the original state.
Non-interference with imaging examinations: PEEK material contains no metals and has excellent X-ray permeability. It will not cause interference in imaging examinations such as CT and MRI, ensuring that doctors can clearly and accurately observe the patient’s brain condition and conduct effective postoperative assessment and follow-up.
Good heat insulation: PEEK material is not sensitive to the external cold and hot environment, which can maintain the relative stability of the head temperature and reduce the discomfort of the head caused by changes in the external environment.
Bio-ceramics
High biological similarity: Bio-ceramic materials such as hydroxyapatite are similar to the natural bone composition of the human body, possess excellent biocompatibility and bone conductivity, and can closely bind with skull tissue, promoting the growth and repair of bone tissue.
Promote bone healing: It helps in the formation and fusion of new bone, accelerates the recovery process, and makes the appearance and function of the repaired skull closer to normal.
No toxic side effects: Due to its natural components, the bio-ceramic material has no toxic side effects in the body and is safe and reliable.
Anti-infection ability: The surface properties of bioceramic materials help inhibit bacterial growth and reduce the risk of postoperative infection.
Partially degradable: Some bio-ceramic materials can gradually degrade in the body and be replaced by new bone tissue, reducing the need for secondary surgeries.