Cranial Reconstruction

PEEK is a lightweight, radiolucent polymer offering mechanical stability and soft-tissue compatibility, ideal for cranial reconstruction, orbital repair, and facial augmentation. Titanium remains the preferred choice for strength-demanding applications, such as mandibular or midface reconstruction. Both fit seamlessly into the same Materialise workflow, from planning to fixation. For cranial or midface reconstruction, titanium implants are a safe option when interfacing with open sinuses. Although titanium implants traditionally had less ideal thermal properties, innovation in mesh structure design has improved their thermal behavior. 

Materialise personalized PEEK implants can be designed for cranial cranioplasty, orbital trauma reconstruction, mandibular and malar augmentation, temporary spacers in radiation therapy, defect restoration, midface and other defect restoration, and facial onlay applications, including gender-affirmation surgery.

Yes, PEEK is designed to reflect the anatomical contour from your digital plan, but can be modified intraoperatively to optimize fit.

No, the clinical planning, case management in Mimics Flow, review process, and fixation approach all remain the same regardless of material choice.

Every implant is produced in Europe under ISO-certified standards by Ad Mirabiles and within the established Materialise quality system, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and reliable turnaround times.

Turnaround time is consistent with titanium implants, as both materials follow the same validated production workflow. After receiving all the necessary input materials, a planning session can be organized within 24 hours. The design of the PEEK implant takes 48 hours, and after you have given your approval of the design, the implant will be ready to ship to your hospital in 72 hours.

Yes. Where resections are required, personalized osteotomy and pre-drilling guides are available (in polyamide or titanium) to help accurately translate your surgical plan into the operating room. When needed, you can always combine a PEEK implant with other personalized surgical solutions from the Materialise portfolio, such as 3D-printed titanium plates or implants, splints, or anatomical models. The PEEK implants are also compatible with the Materialise Standard+ fixation solutions.

Its radiolucency allows for unobstructed postoperative imaging, while its lightweight, stable structure supports patient comfort and soft tissue integration.

The PEEK implant can be fixated using screws and standard miniplates from the Materialise Standard+ portfolio. The design can include both perpendicular and transversal screw fixation. Moreover, you can also request that suture holes be added to the design.

No, the PEEK implants are manufactured with milling by Ad Mirabiles, a company with experience in designing over 10,000 PEEK implants, and provided to you by Materialise within the same platform and same experience as every other case