Sternal Reconstruction Utilizing a Custom 3D-Printed Polyetherketoneketone Implant

Anterior chest wall reconstruction after sternal resection remains challenging. Implants and prosthetic reconstructive materials should offer ample tissue ingrowth, maintain structural integrity and physiology, minimize infection risk, and maximize cosmesis. Custom titanium implants offer little or no tissue ingrowth and are not modifiable intraoperatively. Reports of polyetheretherketone (PEEK)-based sternal implants cite issues with the above and overall wound healing. Polyetherketoneketone (PEKK)-based implants have been increasingly utilized in odontoid, craniomaxillofacial and vertebral reconstruction. We present a case of sternal resection and reconstruction using a custom printed 3-dimensional PEKK-based implant.