Biomechanical properties of high-density polyethylene for pterional prosthesis

Neurol Res. 2002 Oct;24(7):671-6. doi: 10.1179/016164102101200744.

Abstract

The pterional approach is the most popular surgical technique in aneurysm and skull base tumor removal. Reconstruction of the temporal contour deformity due to craniotomy requires graft implantation. Porous high-density polyethylene (PHDPE) as a craniofacial and pterional implant material recently became available. However, material properties of the pterional implant are not yet known. In order to measure the biomechanical properties of PHDPE, we implemented the tensile test, the three-point bending test and the water displacement method for density measurement. Elastic modulus varies from 227 to 307MPa. Density range is 0.68 and 0.7 depending on the size of pores. The data can be used to study the character of the porous high-density polyethylene implant, how it resists stress or fatigue in combination with conventional plating systems.

MeSH terms

  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Circle of Willis / surgery
  • Durapatite / therapeutic use
  • Frontal Bone / anatomy & histology
  • Frontal Bone / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Intracranial Aneurysm / surgery
  • Neurosurgical Procedures / instrumentation*
  • Neurosurgical Procedures / methods
  • Polyethylene / therapeutic use*
  • Polymethyl Methacrylate / therapeutic use
  • Prostheses and Implants / standards
  • Prostheses and Implants / trends*
  • Skull Base Neoplasms / surgery
  • Stress, Mechanical
  • Temporal Bone / anatomy & histology
  • Temporal Bone / surgery*
  • Titanium / therapeutic use
  • Weight-Bearing

Substances

  • Polyethylene
  • Polymethyl Methacrylate
  • Durapatite
  • Titanium