# A 3D Printed Hydroxyapatite Implant for Temporal Hollowing Reconstruction: A Patient-Specific Approach

## TL;DR

A 3D printed hydroxyapatite implant was used to successfully reconstruct a patient's temple after surgery, improving both appearance and function.

## Contribution

A patient-specific hydroxyapatite implant using 3D printing is proposed for temporal hollowing reconstruction.

## Key findings

- The 3D printed implant provided a secure and satisfactory aesthetic result.
- Hydroxyapatite ensured long-term stability and integration of the implant.
- The approach offers a promising solution for complex craniofacial defects.

## Abstract

Temporal hollowing, which is a depression in the temple region, often results from trauma, surgical interventions, or neurological conditions. This condition is frequently observed after the resection of encephaloceles, where it can cause esthetic and functional challenges due to temporalis muscle atrophy and nerve palsy. We present a case of a 21-year-old female patient who developed temporal hollowing and complete atrophy of the right temporalis muscle following an encephalocele resection in childhood. The patient also suffered from right-sided frontal nerve branch palsy. To address this complex deformity, a patient-specific implant (PSI) made of hydroxyapatite (HA) was digitally designed and produced using 3D printing technology. The postoperative course was uneventful, with the implant securely positioned and the esthetic result highly satisfactory. This case highlights the potential of 3D printed PSIs in craniofacial reconstruction, offering an optimal solution for both functional restoration and esthetic enhancement. HA further ensures the long-term stability and integration of the implant, providing a promising approach for addressing complex craniofacial defects.