PERSPECTIVE article
Front. Neurol.
Sec. Neurotrauma
Volume 16 - 2025 | doi: 10.3389/fneur.2025.1664624
Application of Polyetheretherketone Temporal Muscle Prostheses for Temporal Hollowing Following Cranioplasty
Provisionally accepted
- 1West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- 2Chengdu Women and Children's Central Hospital, Chengdu, China
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Background Decompressive craniectomy is an effective intervention for refractory intracranial hypertension. However, subsequent cranioplasty, though technically less demanding, is associated with a non-negligible incidence of complications. Among these, temporal hollowing is a common yet frequently overlooked sequela that significantly compromises facial aesthetics and can lead to various psychosocial issues. Methods Based on the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying temporal hollowing following cranioplasty and incorporating clinical experience from West China Hospital, Sichuan University, this study explores the application of 3D-printed polyetheretherketone (PEEK) temporal muscle prostheses for correcting temporal hollowing after 3D-printed PEEK cranioplasty. The approach involves precise measurement of the contralateral temporal muscle dimensions and volumetric assessment of the atrophied ipsilateral muscle to fabricate patient-specific 3D-printed PEEK implants. These customized prostheses are then surgically implanted in a secondary procedure to restore temporal contour symmetry. Conclusions Temporal hollowing represents a frequent sequela of cranioplasty, arising from multifactorial mechanisms and often contributing to psychosocial challenges. The patient-specific 3D-printed PEEK temporal muscle prosthesis, developed based on contralateral temporal muscle metrics at West China Hospital, offers a precise and individualized solution for restoring temporal contour symmetry.
Keywords: Polyetheretherketone, Temporal hollowing, cranioplasty, prostheses, 3D-printed
Received: 12 Jul 2025; Accepted: 08 Sep 2025.
Copyright: © 2025 Yang, Zhang and Guan. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
* Correspondence: Junwen Guan, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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