Restoring the skull, rebuilding confidence

In November 2013, Stefan, a healthy young man, was involved in a serious road traffic accident when, for unknown reasons, his car left the road and struck a tree. He sustained severe traumatic brain injury, including a subdural and epidural haematoma, skull fractures and multiple additional injuries. That same night, he underwent emergency surgery and was placed in an induced coma.

After five days in intensive care, he began a long and demanding recovery in hospital and later in a rehabilitation centre. During this period, he required several further procedures, including wound revision and dural closure. Complications such as meningitis and wound infections made recovery even more challenging.

When complications keep returning

After three months, Stefan’s recovery appeared to be progressing well enough for an initial reconstruction using the original bone flap. At first, the outcome seemed promising, but it soon became clear that further problems were developing. Six months later, the pain returned. The bone was resorbing again, and a PMMA implant was selected as the next option. This implant was shaped intraoperatively using bone cement in a mould.

Unfortunately, the result did not deliver the outcome Stefan had hoped for. He continued to experience persistent headaches, reduced sensation and visible fixation points beneath the skin. The wound also failed to close properly, resulting in infections, antibiotic treatment and yet another operation. Even then, the complications did not stop. In March 2015, a further bacterial infection was diagnosed.

Looking for a better way forward

Over the course of eighteen months, Stefan underwent multiple operations, each bringing fresh uncertainty and new setbacks. Functionally and aesthetically, the results continued to fall short of expectations. As confidence in a successful outcome faded, the physical and emotional impact only grew.

After a series of procedures and disappointing results, Stefan began searching for an alternative. That search led him to Xilloc, where he was connected with a specialist surgeon. Together, they chose a patient-specific PEEK implant, precisely designed to match the defect and Stefan’s anatomy.

A patient-specific solution designed to fit

Working closely with the surgeon, the implant was designed with careful attention to fit, placement and fixation. It aligned precisely with the defect margins and incorporated design features that supported controlled placement and an aesthetically balanced result. Unlike earlier approaches that relied on intraoperative shaping, this implant offered a planned, patient-specific reconstruction with a far more predictable outcome.

The surgery was successful, and the difference was immediately apparent. Stefan experienced clear improvement both functionally and aesthetically. The natural contour of his skull was restored, his symptoms eased, and he also noticed neurological progress. The impact was significant — not only for Stefan himself, but for the people around him as well.

“After several skull operations that either failed or led to infection, I was introduced to Xilloc. They understood my situation and helped me move forward with an implant. The difference has been enormous, both neurologically and aesthetically. People often tell me I look better and more like myself again. I am extremely satisfied and felt genuinely supported throughout the process.”
Stefan