Breaking Barriers in Cranioplasty: 3D Printing in Low and Middle-Income Settings—Insights from Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina
<i>Background and Objectives:</i> Cranial defects pose significant challenges in low and middle-income countries (LIMCs), necessitating innovative and cost-effective craniofacial reconstruction strategies. The purpose of this study was to present the Bosnia and Herzegovina model, showcas...
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| Format: | Article |
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MDPI AG
2023-09-01
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| Series: | Medicina |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1648-9144/59/10/1732 |
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| author | Hakija Bečulić Denis Spahić Emir Begagić Ragib Pugonja Rasim Skomorac Aldin Jusić Edin Selimović Anes Mašović Mirza Pojskić |
| author_facet | Hakija Bečulić Denis Spahić Emir Begagić Ragib Pugonja Rasim Skomorac Aldin Jusić Edin Selimović Anes Mašović Mirza Pojskić |
| author_sort | Hakija Bečulić |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | <i>Background and Objectives:</i> Cranial defects pose significant challenges in low and middle-income countries (LIMCs), necessitating innovative and cost-effective craniofacial reconstruction strategies. The purpose of this study was to present the Bosnia and Herzegovina model, showcasing the potential of a multidisciplinary team and 3D-based technologies, particularly PMMA implants, to address cranial defects in a resource-limited setting. <i>Materials and Methods:</i> An observational, non-experimental prospective investigation involved three cases of cranioplasty at the Department of Neurosurgery, Cantonal Hospital Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina, between 2019 and 2023. The technical process included 3D imaging and modeling with MIMICS software (version 10.01), 3D printing of the prototype, mold construction and intraoperative modification for precise implant fitting. <i>Results:</i> The Bosnia and Herzegovina model demonstrated successful outcomes in cranioplasty, with PMMA implants proving cost-effective and efficient in addressing cranial defects. Intraoperative modification contributed to reduced costs and potential complications, while the multidisciplinary approach and 3D-based technologies facilitated accurate reconstruction. <i>Conclusions:</i> The Bosnia and Herzegovina model showcases a cost-effective and efficient approach for craniofacial reconstruction in LIMICs. Collaborative efforts, 3D-based technologies, and PMMA implants contribute to successful outcomes. Further research is needed to validate sustained benefits and enhance craniofacial reconstruction strategies in resource-constrained settings. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-10T21:04:45Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-7855cd1c035643aab693d0379d6468fe |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1010-660X 1648-9144 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-10T21:04:45Z |
| publishDate | 2023-09-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Medicina |
| spelling | doaj.art-7855cd1c035643aab693d0379d6468fe2023-11-19T17:16:22ZengMDPI AGMedicina1010-660X1648-91442023-09-015910173210.3390/medicina59101732Breaking Barriers in Cranioplasty: 3D Printing in Low and Middle-Income Settings—Insights from Zenica, Bosnia and HerzegovinaHakija Bečulić0Denis Spahić1Emir Begagić2Ragib Pugonja3Rasim Skomorac4Aldin Jusić5Edin Selimović6Anes Mašović7Mirza Pojskić8Department of Neurosurgery, Cantonal Hospital Zenica, 72000 Zenica, Bosnia and HerzegovinaDepartment of Constructions and CAD Technologies, School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Zenica, 72000 Zenica, Bosnia and HerzegovinaDeparment of General Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zenica, 72000 Zenica, Bosnia and HerzegovinaDeparment of General Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zenica, 72000 Zenica, Bosnia and HerzegovinaDepartment of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Zenica, 72000 Zenica, Bosnia and HerzegovinaDepartment of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Zenica, 72000 Zenica, Bosnia and HerzegovinaDepartment of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Zenica, 72000 Zenica, Bosnia and HerzegovinaDepartment of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Zenica, 72000 Zenica, Bosnia and HerzegovinaDepartment of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Marburg, Baldinger Str., 35033 Marburg, Germany<i>Background and Objectives:</i> Cranial defects pose significant challenges in low and middle-income countries (LIMCs), necessitating innovative and cost-effective craniofacial reconstruction strategies. The purpose of this study was to present the Bosnia and Herzegovina model, showcasing the potential of a multidisciplinary team and 3D-based technologies, particularly PMMA implants, to address cranial defects in a resource-limited setting. <i>Materials and Methods:</i> An observational, non-experimental prospective investigation involved three cases of cranioplasty at the Department of Neurosurgery, Cantonal Hospital Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina, between 2019 and 2023. The technical process included 3D imaging and modeling with MIMICS software (version 10.01), 3D printing of the prototype, mold construction and intraoperative modification for precise implant fitting. <i>Results:</i> The Bosnia and Herzegovina model demonstrated successful outcomes in cranioplasty, with PMMA implants proving cost-effective and efficient in addressing cranial defects. Intraoperative modification contributed to reduced costs and potential complications, while the multidisciplinary approach and 3D-based technologies facilitated accurate reconstruction. <i>Conclusions:</i> The Bosnia and Herzegovina model showcases a cost-effective and efficient approach for craniofacial reconstruction in LIMICs. Collaborative efforts, 3D-based technologies, and PMMA implants contribute to successful outcomes. Further research is needed to validate sustained benefits and enhance craniofacial reconstruction strategies in resource-constrained settings.https://www.mdpi.com/1648-9144/59/10/1732cranioplasty3Dprintlow-incomemiddle-income |
| spellingShingle | Hakija Bečulić Denis Spahić Emir Begagić Ragib Pugonja Rasim Skomorac Aldin Jusić Edin Selimović Anes Mašović Mirza Pojskić Breaking Barriers in Cranioplasty: 3D Printing in Low and Middle-Income Settings—Insights from Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina Medicina cranioplasty 3D low-income middle-income |
| title | Breaking Barriers in Cranioplasty: 3D Printing in Low and Middle-Income Settings—Insights from Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina |
| title_full | Breaking Barriers in Cranioplasty: 3D Printing in Low and Middle-Income Settings—Insights from Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina |
| title_fullStr | Breaking Barriers in Cranioplasty: 3D Printing in Low and Middle-Income Settings—Insights from Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina |
| title_full_unstemmed | Breaking Barriers in Cranioplasty: 3D Printing in Low and Middle-Income Settings—Insights from Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina |
| title_short | Breaking Barriers in Cranioplasty: 3D Printing in Low and Middle-Income Settings—Insights from Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina |
| title_sort | breaking barriers in cranioplasty 3d printing in low and middle income settings insights from zenica bosnia and herzegovina |
| topic | cranioplasty 3D low-income middle-income |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/1648-9144/59/10/1732 |
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