Cranioplasty In Children Research Articles

Ophthalmic Features 5 Years after Cranioplasty in Children with Unilateral Coronal Craniosynostosis

Purpose: To investigate ocular asymmetry status 5 years after cranioplasty in children with unilateral coronal craniosynostosis.Methods: The medical records of 41 children who underwent cranioplasty at a mean age of 11.7 months were retrospectively reviewed. The cranial vault asymmetry index (CVAI) and the amount of head tilt were measured on images obtained before cranioplasty. Presence of anisometropia, aniso-astigmatism, amblyopia, and strabismus was evaluated at a mean age of 6.8 years. Correlations among the CVAI, direction of synostotic suture and ocular asymmetries were analyzed.Results: Before cranioplasty, the CVAI was 4.5%; 31 of 41 patients (75.6%) exhibited head tilting, which was contralateral to the synostotic suture site in 29 of these patients. At a mean of 5.6 years after cranioplasty, anisometropia of ≥ 1.00 diopters on the spherical equivalent was present in 9 patients (22.0%) and aniso-astigmatism of ≥ 1.00 diopters in 10 patients (24.4%). Amblyopia was in 15 patients (36.6%); the eye contralateral to the synostotic suture was more frequently affected, and anisometropic amblyopia was the most common subtype. Strabismus was present in 28 patients (68.3%); exodeviation and vertical deviation were the most common subtypes. The non-dominant eye was the eye ipsilateral to the synostotic suture in 12 of 13 patients (92.3%) with simulated superior oblique palsy and in 7 of 10 patients (70.0%) with dissociated vertical deviation. In children with CVAI of ≥ 5%, anisometropia was significantly more common than in other children (p = 0.04), but we found no relationship between any other type of ocular asymmetry and a high CVAI.Conclusions: Ocular asymmetries including anisometropia, aniso-astigmatism, amblyopia, and strabismus were observed even 5 years after successful cranioplasty treatment for unilateral coronal craniosynostosis, emphasizing the need for continuous ophthalmic follow-up.

Distraction Osteogenesis for Craniosynostosis

Distraction osteogenesis is the standard surgical procedure for cranioplasty in children over 6 months of age. This technique carries a risk of detachment of the extender and infection during the course, but such troubles can be reduced by accumulating surgical experience. In addition, furing distraction osteogenesis, the cranium can be sufficiently expanded by slowly stretching the scalp, while adjustment ensures that the facial appearance does not change too much. In this paper, I will explain the surgical technique and postoperative management, focusing on FOA(Fronto-orbital advancement)for trigonocephaly or brachycephaly and BPE(Bilateral parietal expansion)for scaphocephaly. The point of surgery in FOA is the osteotomy of the orbital bar. The osteotomy can be performed safely and easily using a wire saw. The aim of surgery in BPE is to extend an osteotomy up to the front of the coronal suture and down to the part near the cranial floor. This allows improvements of the cranial shape while sufficiently increasing the cranial volume.

Protocol for the multicentre prospective paediatric craniectomy and cranioplasty registry (pedCCR) under the auspices of the European Society for Paediatric Neurosurgery (ESPN)

PurposeIn the paediatric age group, the overall degree of evidence regarding decompressive craniectomy (DC) and cranioplasty is low, whereas in adults, randomised controlled trials and prospective multicentre registries are available. To improve the evidence-based treatment of children, a consensus was reached to establish a prospective registry under the auspices of the European Society for Pediatric Neurosurgery (ESPN).MethodsThis international multicentre prospective registry is aimed at collecting information on the indication, timing, technique and outcome of DC and cranioplasty in children. The registry will enrol patients ≤ 16 years of age at the time of surgery, irrespective of the underlying medical condition. The study design comprises four obligatory entry points as a core dataset, with an unlimited number of further follow-up entry points to allow documentation until adolescence or adulthood. Study centres should commit to complete data entry and long-term follow-up.ResultsData collection will be performed via a web-based portal (homepage: www.pedccr.com) in a central anonymised database after local ethics board approval. An ESPN steering committee will monitor the project’s progress, coordinate analyses of data and presentation of results at conferences and in publications on behalf of the study group.ConclusionThe registry aims to define predictors for optimal medical care and patient-centred treatment outcomes. The ultimate goal of the registry is to generate results that are so relevant to be directly transferred into clinical practice to enhance treatment protocols.

Material of Choice in Pediatric Cranioplasty

Abstract Background Current evidence is lacking regarding the optimum material required for cranioplasty in the pediatric population when native bone cannot be replaced. The aim of our survey was to examine current practice in Australia and New Zealand regarding pediatric cranioplasty material. Methods The online tool SurveyMonkey was used to survey 244 neurosurgeons in Australasia. The survey consisted of five questions concerning preference of material and donor origin for pediatric cranioplasty. Results Twenty-two neurosurgeons (9%) participated. The results indicate that with small skull defects (< 3 cm) in patients aged 0 to 2years, conservative management with observation alone is the preferred option (65%). In patients aged 3 to 10 years, autologous donor bone was the most popular option, whereas for 11+ years, hydroxyapatite (HA) was the material of choice, followed by titanium. For defects of more than 3 cm, autologous donor bone was preferred in under 11 years. In patients older than 11 years, titanium was the preferred choice (46.67%). The preferred donor origin for autologous cranioplasty in small skull defects (< 3 cm) was split calvarial grafts for all age groups. However, 68.42% of respondents managed those under 2 years conservatively. In large skull defects (> 3 cm), the preferred donor origin was split calvarial grafts for patients older than 3 years (48.3%). In patients aged 0 to 2 years, exchange cranioplasty was the preferred option when cranioplasty was performed. Conclusion The current practice in Australia and New Zealand is to use autologous donor bone in preference to synthetic materials for cranioplasty in children under 11 years. In children older than 11 years, hydroxyapatite and titanium are the materials of choice.

OssDsign cranioplasty in children: a single-centre experience.

OssDsign have developed a new type of cranioplasty plate, consisting of calcium phosphate reinforced with titanium. Currently, there is little known about the cosmetic outcomes and infection rate when OssDsign cranioplasty plates are implanted into paediatric patients. A retrospective case series was performed to include all paediatric patients who received an OssDsign cranioplasty at a single centre, Sheffield Children's Hospital. The cosmetic outcomes were subjectively reported by the parents of the children. We identified seven paediatric patients where OssDsign cranioplasty was performed. This included two bifrontal and five hemicranioplasties. However, there was failure to implant an OssDsign hemicranioplasty in one patient where a titanium plate was subsequently used. The median duration of follow-up was 15months. The infection rate was zero. The parents of the patients who successfully received OssDsign cranioplasties were pleased with the cosmetic outcomes. There were cosmetic complaints from the parents of the one patient who received a titanium plate. Our early experience with OssDsign cranioplasty in paediatric patients indicates that it may potentially be associated with a low rate of infection and good cosmetic outcomes.

Hydroxyapatite ceramic implants for cranioplasty in children: a retrospective evaluation of clinical outcome and osteointegration.

Cranioplasty in children is a controversial and challenging issue, since there is still no consensus on the ideal material. Main problems in paediatric age are represented by the child's growing skull, the lower bone thickness and the high incidence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) disorders or brain swelling. Autologous bone is still considered the "gold standard". When it is not available, a wide range of alloplastic materials have been proposed. Hydroxyapatite, a ceramic-based derivative, bears a chemical composition very similar to the human natural bone, making this material a valuable alternative to other cranioplasty solutions. All patients implanted with a custom-made porous hydroxyapatite device at Santobono-Pausilipon Hospital in Naples were retrospectively reviewed. A follow-up CT scan of the skull was performed from 1 up to 48months postoperatively to document the bone ingrowth as well as the osteointegration process. The bone density was measured as according to the Hounsfield scale at the bone-implant interface. Between 2014 and 2018, 11 patients (7 males, 4 females) underwent cranioplasty with hydroxyapatite ceramic implants (HAP). Patients' age ranged between 3 and 16years old. Initial aetiology was trauma in most cases. Two subjects were implanted with HAP as primary cranioplasty, 9 as revision surgery following previous cranioplasty failure. Sites of the cranial defect were unilateral fronto-temporo-parietal (N= 8), unilateral frontal (N= 1) and bifrontal (N= 2). Two patients with large bilateral defects received two prostheses. In one of these, the two prostheses were explanted and replaced with two back-up implants (accounting for a total of 15 implants in 11 patients). Osteointegration was measurable for 12 out of 15 implanted devices. The mean percentage was about 51%. There were six asymptomatic prosthesis fractures (40%), all occurring within 6months from implant. In one case, the bifrontal prostheses were explanted and replaced. This was the only patient who underwent revision surgery. Hydroxyapatite ceramic implants represent a valid alternative to other cranioplasty solutions. Where coaptation occurs correctly, with good osteointegration, implant mechanical resistance increases over time.

Post-Traumatic Hydrocephalus in Children: A Retrospective Study in 42 Pediatric Hospitals Using the Pediatric Health Information System

Post-traumatic hydrocephalus (PTH) is a potentially treatable cause of poor recovery from traumatic brain injury (TBI) that remains poorly understood, particularly among children. To better understand the risk factors for pediatric PTH using a large, multi-institutional database. We conducted a retrospective cohort study using administrative data from 42 pediatric hospitals participating in the Pediatric Health Information System. All patients ≤21 yr surviving a hospitalization with an International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) code for TBI were identified. The primary outcome was PTH, defined by an ICD-9-CM procedure code for surgical management of hydrocephalus within 6 mo. Data were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. We identified 91 583 patients ≤21 yr with TBI, 846 of whom developed PTH. Odds of PTH were significantly higher in children <1 yr compared to older age groups. A total of 48.7% of PTH cases were victims of abuse (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.62, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.16-3.18). PTH was more common after craniotomy (aOR 1.60, 95% CI 1.30-1.97). Craniectomy without early cranioplasty was associated with markedly increased odds of PTH (aOR 3.67, 95% CI 2.66-5.07), an effect not seen in those undergoing cranioplasty within 30 d (aOR 1.19, 95% CI 0.75-1.89). PTH was seen in 0.9% of children who sustained a TBI and was more common in those <1 yr. Severe injury, abuse, and craniectomy with delayed cranioplasty were associated with greatly increased likelihood of PTH. Early cranioplasty in children who require craniectomy may reduce the risk for PTH.

Early autologous bone flap cranioplasty following decompressive craniectomy in recovery treatment of children with severe TBI

DC is one of the options in the staged therapy of refractory intracranial hypertension. A significant drawback of this technique is the formation of a complicated complex of pathophysiological disorders, which develops due to an extended defect in the calvarium (disorders of brain perfusion, venous outflow, CSF-circulation, etc.). Assess the effectiveness of early calvarium reconstruction with cryopreserved bone in children after decompressive craniotomy. Fifty-one patients had cranioplasty with cryopreserved bone after decompressive craniotomy during 2005–2016. The autobone was stored in the freezer at the temperature −40 °C. Before and after the surgery patients had CT-perfusion and MRI examination. In 70% of cases cranioplasty was made during the first two months. In 30% of followed cases the restoration of skull integrity took place up to 65 days. Late cranioplasty was caused by trophic disorders in soft tissues as well as by intracranial and extracranial infective–inflammatory complications. After the defect closure one could see restored brain perfusion, venous outflow. At the early postoperative period the auto transplant infectioning was seen in 5.5%. More than 75% of patients had clinical improvement, and 30% improved their outcome. The follow-up period lasted from 3 months until 10 years. Complete bone resorption was registered in one patient. Early closure defects of the calvarium should be regarded as a surgical intervention which provides maximally possible conditions for the early restoration of cerebral functions. Despite the higher risk of infection and resorption of the autobone remains the effective material for early cranioplasty in children.

Hydroxyapatite ceramic implants for cranioplasty in children: a single-center experience

The use of hydroxyapatite ceramic (HAC) implants for the treatment of skull defects in pediatric patients started 2010 at our institution. Ceramic implants facilitate osteoblast migration and therefore optimize osteointegration with the host bone. The purpose of this study is to report a single-center experience with this treatment modality. A retrospective review of all patients from July 2010 through June 2014 undergoing a cranioplasty using hydroxyapatite ceramic implant and managed at a single institution was performed. Indication for cranioplasty, the hospital course, and follow-up were reviewed. Bone density was measured in Hounsfield Units (HU) and osteointegration was calculated using Mimics Software® (Mimics Innovation Suite v17.0 Medical, Materialize, Leuven, Belgium). Over the 4-year period, six patients met criteria for the study. Five patients had an osteointegration of nearly 100%. One patient had an incomplete osteointegration with a total bone-implant contact area of 69%. The mean bone density was 2800 HU (2300-3000 HU). Bone density alone is estimated to have a Hounsfield value between 400 and 2000 HU depending on the body region and bone quality. There were no major complications, and the patients were highly satisfied with the esthetical result. Hydroxyapatite ceramic implants for cranioplasty in pediatric patients are a good choice for different indications. The implants show excellent osteointegration and esthetical results.

Clinical research of biomimetic bone materials for cranioplasty in children: a report of 11 cases

Objective To investigate the clinical treatment methods and the use of new materials for cranioplasty in children. Methods From January 2014 to October 2014, the biomimetic bone (nano-hap/collagen composites) materials developed by the Materials Department of Tsinghua University and used by 11 children with different parts of skull defect treated by the cranioplasty at the Department of Neurosurgery, Yuquan Hospital, Tsinghua University were studied retrospectively after preoperative individualized 3D printing. They were examined again by coming back to the hospital on time after procedure. Results The operations of 11 children were completely successful, and their postoperative recovery was good. They were followed up for 1 year. The implanted biomimetic bone materials were well fixed. The measured CT value showed that its material density increased significantly compared with the original values. The head shape of the children developed normally and the incisions healed well. Each neurological function and cognitive function recovered significantly. Conclusions Using biomimetic bone materials (nano-hap/collagen composites) to perform the cranioplasty in children may solve the problems of growth and development after skull repair. Its incidence of postoperative complications is far less than other skull repair materials. It is a more reasonable material for repairing skull defects in children. Key words: Bone substitutes; Skull defects; Cranioplasty; Child; 3D printing

Titanium cranioplasty in children and adolescents.

Full thickness calvarial defects present considerable challenges to reconstructive surgeons. In paediatric cases, the use of biomaterials as a substrate for cranioplasty rather than autologous bone is controversial. Alloplastic cranioplasty in adults is supported by several large case series however long term outcome of biomaterial use in paediatric cases is limited. Retrospective seven year analysis of departmental database and clinical records identified 22 patients aged under 18 who had undergone 23 custom made titanium cranioplasties by a single surgeon using the same technique. Data including patient demographics, reason for craniectomy and complications experienced following surgery was obtained. The mean age at operation was 12 years 9 months. The mean defect size was 44.3cm(2). No significant complications related to the cranioplasty were recorded in the early post operative period or during long term review (average follow up 4 years 6 months). No cranioplasty implant required removal. This retrospective case series shows that custom made patient specific titanium cranioplasty is a viable alternative to autologous bone as a reconstructive material in paediatric patients under specific circumstances.

An Experimental Study of Particulate Bone Graft for Secondary Inlay Cranioplasty Over Scarred Dura.

Inlay cranioplasty in children is challenging because autologous bone is limited. Cranial particulate bone graft effectively closes defects when placed over normal dura. The purpose of this study was to determine if particulate bone graft will ossify when used for secondary cranioplasty over scarred dura. A 17 × 17-mm critical-sized defect was made in the parietal bone of 16 rabbits. Four animals had no implant (group 1). Twelve animals had the defect remade 16 weeks postoperatively, which was managed in 2 ways: group 2 (no implant; n = 6) and group 4 (particulate bone graft; n = 6). Particulate graft was obtained using a brace and bit from the frontal bone. Computed tomography was used to determine the area of ossification and thickness of the healed graft. Eight animals previously managed with particulate bone graft over normal dura were used as an additional control (group 3). Critical-sized defects filled with particulate bone graft over scarred dura (group 4) exhibited superior healing of the area (83.8%; range, 73.0%-90.6%) compared to control defects over normal dura (group 1: 62.9%; range, 56.5%-73.4%) or scarred dura (group 2: 56.9%; range, 40.0%-68.3%) (P = 0.0004). Particulate bone on scarred dura exhibited less ossified area (P = 0.002), and thinner bone (0.95 mm, range, 0.71-1.32 mm) compared to defects in which graft was placed over normal dura (group 3: area, 99.2%; range, 96.8%-100%; thickness, 1.9 mm, range; 1.1-3.1 mm) (P = 0.04). Particulate bone graft ossifies inlay cranial defects over scarred dura although inferior to placement over normal dura. Clinically, particulate bone graft may be used for secondary inlay cranioplasty.

Cranial Vault Reduction Cranioplasty in Children With Hydrocephalic Macrocephaly

Cranial Vault Reduction Cranioplasty in Children With Hydrocephalic Macrocephaly

Outcomes of cranioplasty following decompressive craniectomy in the pediatric population

Cranioplasty is routinely performed following decompressive craniectomy in both adult and pediatric populations. In adults, this procedure is associated with higher rates of complications than is elective cranial surgery. This study is a review of the literature describing risk factors for complications after cranioplasty surgery in pediatric patients. A systematic search of PubMed, Cochrane, and SCOPUS databases was undertaken. Articles were selected based on their titles and abstracts. Only studies that focused on a pediatric population were included; case reports were excluded. Studies in which the authors assessed bone flap storage method, timing of cranioplasty, material used (synthetic vs autogenous), skull defect size, and/or complication rates (bone resorption and surgical site infection) were selected for further analysis. Eleven studies that included a total of 441 cranioplasties performed in the pediatric population are included in this review. The findings are as follows: 1) Based on analysis of pooled data, using cryopreserved bone flaps during cranioplasty may lead to a higher rate of bone resorption and lower rate of infection than using bone flaps stored at room temperature. 2) In 3 of 4 articles describing the effect of time between craniectomy and cranioplasty on complication rate, the authors found no significant effect, while in 1 the authors found that the incidence of bone resorption was significantly lower in children who had undergone early cranioplasty. Pooling of data was not possible for this analysis. 3) There are insufficient data to assess the effect of cranioplasty material on complication rate when considering only cranioplasties performed to repair decompressive craniectomy defects. However, when considering cranioplasties performed for any indication, those in which freshly harvested autograft is used may have a lower rate of resorption than those in which stored autograft is used. 4) There is no appreciable effect of craniectomy defect size or patient age on complication rate. There is a paucity of articles describing outcomes and complications following cranioplasty in children and adolescents. However, based on the studies examined in this systematic review, there are reasons to suspect that method of flap preservation, timing of surgery, and material used may be significant. Larger prospective and retrospective studies are needed to shed more light on this important issue.

Experimental Comparison of Cranial Particulate Bone Graft, rhBMP-2, and Split Cranial Bone Graft for Inlay Cranioplasty

Background : Particulate bone graft and recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) are options for inlay cranioplasty in children who have not developed a diploic space. The purpose of this study was to determine whether particulate bone graft or rhBMP-2 has superior efficacy for inlay cranioplasty and to compare these substances to split cranial bone. Methods : A 17 mm × 17 mm critical-sized defect was made in the parietal bones of 22 rabbits and managed in four ways: Group I (no implant; n=5), Group II (particulate bone graft; n=5), Group III (rhBMP-2; n=7), and Group IV (split cranial bone graft; n=5). Animals underwent microcomputed tomography and histologic analysis 16 weeks after cranioplasty. Results : Defects without an implant (Group I) demonstrated inferior ossification (41.4%; interquartile range [IQR], 28.9% to 42.5%) compared to those treated with particulate bone graft (Group II: 99.5%; IQR, 97.8% to 100%), rhBMP-2 (Group III: 99.6%; IQR, 99.5% to 100%), or split cranial bone (Group IV: 100%) (P < .0001). There was no difference between Groups II, III, and IV (P = .1). Defects treated with rhBMP-2 exhibited thinner bone (0.90 mm; IQR, 0.64 to 0.98) than particulate bone graft (1.95 mm; IQR, 1.09 to 2.83) or split cranial bone (1.72 mm; IQR, 1.54 to 1.88) (P = .006); particulate and split cranial bone grafted defects had a similar thicknesses (P = .6). Conclusions : Particulate bone graft, rhBMP-2, and split cranial bone close inlay calvarial defect areas equally, although the thickness of bone healed with rhBMP-2 is inferior. Clinically, particulate bone graft or split cranial bone graft may be superior to rhBMP-2 for inlay cranioplasty.

Cranioplasty in children with split rib graft

Defect of the cranial vault results from trauma, decompression craniotomies and ablative tumour resection. These patients suffer from the feeling of insecurity as the brain tissue is prone to trauma in exposed regions. Cranioplasty not only provides mechanical protection to the cerebrum but also improves cosmesis. Unexpected neurological recovery due to change in cerebral haemodynamics has been reported by Richaud et al [1]. The goal of a cranioplasty procedure is to achieve a lifelong, stable, structural reconstruction of the cranium covered by a healthy skin and scalp flap [2, 3]. The successful clinical outcome relies upon the following factors: 1 The selection of an implant to reproduce the rigid framework of the skull. 2 Preparation of the recipient bed to optimize implant stability and vascularity. In children use of alloplastic materials are disadvantageous as they are biologically inert and fail to keep up with the dynamic contouring of the developing skull. The autogenous bone graft, with its ability to become incorporated as living tissue and good reparative capabilities is the material of choice for cranioplasty. Various sources of autogenous bone grafts are calvarium, ilium and rib. Autogenous split calvarial graft is material of choice for being the bone of same origin, volume available, same operating site and favourable contour. In children below nine years of age harvesting a split calvarial graft is difficult due to poor differentiation of the dipolic bone. Harvesting of iliac crest is also contraindicated below nine years, as it interferes with growth. Hence rib graft is the only viable option in children. We present a case of post traumatic cranial defect in a three year old child treated at our institution with split rib graft.

Inlay Cranioplasty: An Experimental Comparison of Particulate Graft versus Bone Dust

Cranioplasty in children is difficult because autologous bone is limited. To expand the calvarial donor site, surgeons have used bone dust harvested with a power drill and particulate bone taken with a bit and brace. The purpose of this study was to compare bone dust and particulate bone for inlay cranioplasty. A critical-size defect was made in the parietal bone of rabbits and managed in three ways: group I (n = 5), no implant; group II (n = 6), bone dust implant; and group III (n = 6), particulate graft implant. Bone dust and particulate graft were obtained using a power burr or brace and bit, respectively. Bone dust and particulate graft volume was calculated using a micrometer. Computed tomography was performed 4, 8, and 16 weeks after cranioplasty to determine ossification; histology also was studied. The average volume of particulate bone fragments (6.2 × 10 mm) was 344-fold greater than bone dust particles (1.8 × 10 mm) (p < 0.0001). Four weeks postoperatively, the filled volume of the experimental defect was 6.8 ± 4.9 percent in group I, 8.4 ± 7.4 percent in group II, and 43.0 ± 7.2 percent in group III. Eight weeks postoperatively, the filled volume was 22.3 ± 3.9 percent in group I, 29.1 ± 6.7 percent in group II, and 80.0 ± 8.9 percent in group III. Sixteen weeks postoperatively, the defect was closed 38.6 ± 11.1 percent in group I, 41.3 ± 11.2 percent in group II, and 99.3 ± 1.5 percent in group III (p < 0.0001). Particulate bone graft ossifies full-thickness cranial defects. Bone dust is ineffective and resorbs, possibly because of its smaller particle size and/or thermal injury during harvesting. Particulate graft, and not bone dust, is suitable for inlay cranioplasty.

Long-Term Follow-Up Experience with Carbonated Calcium Phosphate Cement (Norian) for Cranioplasty in Children and Adults

Despite the growing popularity of calcium-based bone cements as a cranioplasty material, the long-term success and complication rates of these materials remain largely controversial. The authors reviewed their extended experience with Norian, a carbonated calcium phosphate bone cement, for cranioplasty. A retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent cranioplasty using Norian over the past 9 years was conducted. Patients with less than 1 year of follow-up were excluded. Forty-six patients were studied. Follow-up averaged 43.9 months (range, 12.1 to 109.8 months). The overall complication rate was 26 percent, and included infection (n = 9), seroma (n = 1), or a chronically draining sinus (n = 2). Average time to onset of a complication was 20.2 months (range, 2.3 to 89.2 months). Two of nine infections resolved with oral antibiotics; the remaining complications required surgical intervention for definitive treatment. Factors associated with a statistically increased risk of complications were amounts of Norian used (p < 0.01) and onlay application with a high probability for bacterial contamination (p = 0.001), whereas reconstruction of full-thickness cranial defects larger than 25 cm trended toward worse outcomes (p > 0.05). Norian is well suited for cranioplasty when used in moderate amounts for onlay applications, as evidenced by acceptable complication rates and contouring ability in this setting. Its use in large amounts as an onlay, inlay full-thickness cranial reconstruction of large defects or areas with potential bacterial contamination should be avoided. Complications or construct failure may occur months or even years after implantation, even under ideal circumstances.

Cranial Vault Reduction Cranioplasty in Children with Hydrocephalic Macrocephaly

Craniofacial surgeons are rarely presented patients with extreme hydrocephalic macrocephaly due to early diagnosis and treatment of the hydrocephalus. Macrocephaly can significantly limit or prohibit mobility, hygiene and can drastically change lifestyle and developmental issues. The authors herein report on four consecutive total cranial vault reduction cranioplasty procedures for correction of hydrocephalic macrocephaly. The patients had a reduction in cranial volume ranging from 111-641 mL. All patients survived the procedure. Improvement in head control and aesthetics were improved in all patients. All of the patients required at least one shunt revision following the procedure. We conclude that total cranial vault reshaping is safe and effective for the treatment of macrocephaly secondary to hydrocephalus.

The combined use of hydroxyapatite and bioresorbable plates to repair cranial defects in children

Hydroxyapatite cement (HAC) is used with increasing frequency by craniofacial surgeons for building facial and skull base structures and by neurosurgeons for cranioplasty. Failures of HAC in cranioplasty have been attributed to breakage due to subjacent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pulsations through the dura mater. The authors describe a technique that involves inserting a resorbable MacroPore perforated plate to dampen CSF pulsations and then pouring HAC over the plate to fill a cranial defect and complete skull contouring. Fifteen children ranging in age from 2 to 9.5 years were included in the study; the size of the skull defects in these patients ranged from 6.25 to 42.5 cm2, with a mean of 20.65 cm2. Patients in whom the combined MacroPore--HAC devices were implanted underwent follow-up examinations that included serial skull radiography and computerized tomography scans. No fractures of the implants were demonstrated. At 6 months postsurgery, small fingerlings of new bone growth appeared in the underside of the HAC plate, probably spanning from the dura through perforations in the MacroPore plate. At intervals ranging from 18 months to 20 years after implantation, the gaps between cranial bone edges and that the HAC began to blur, culminating in the complete bonding of host bone with the margin of the HAC plate. All implants remained radiopaque and maintained size, thickness, and shape. The findings of this study are promising and indicate that the combined use of HAC and a bioresorbable undercarriage that is osteoconductive, such as the MacroPore perforated plate, may produce a versatile and lasting cranioplasty in children.