Primary Cranioplasty Research Articles

Primary cranioplasty for calvarial compound depressed fractures; 2 centers experience

IntroductionTraumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among the leading causes of death and disability in younger age groups. Current guidelines to prevent infection in compound depressed fractures of the skull recommend fragment removal and debridement, and the cranial defect usually is left for a secondary cranioplasty. However, recent studies demonstrated no difference in infection rates between primary and secondary reconstruction. Herein we point out our preliminary experience using a single-staged approach to surgical management of open depressed skull fractures.MethodsThis study included 72 patients between Egypt and Saudi Arabia with compound depressed fractures of the skull that underwent primary cranioplasty either by elevation or by titanium reconstruction within the first 72 h post-traumatic brain injuries. We report surgery-specific characteristics and overall complications over a 12-month follow-up period.ResultsFifty-nine (82%) immediate primary cranioplasty patients were without complications. Twelve complications were seen in twelve patients. Infection accounted for only 2.8%, while the rest consisted of convulsions (6.9%), CSF rhinorrhea (4.2%), CSF leak, seroma, and re-operation (1.4%) each. One patient died after 20 postoperative days due to pulmonary embolism.ConclusionNeurosurgical expertise and readily available medical facilities within the civilian populations have significantly changed the traditional approach in calvarial CDF patients within the first 72 h post-trauma, where primary cranioplasty has proven to be a valid procedure with minimal morbidities compared to the traditional two-stage protocol.

Clinical Outcomes After Cranioplasty With Titanium Mesh, Polyetheretherketone, or Composite Bone Cement: A Retrospective Study.

Cranioplasty is a common neurosurgical procedure; however, the optimal material choice remains controversial. At the time of this writing, autologous bone, the preferred choice for primary cranioplasty, has a high incidence of complications such as infection and resorption, thus requiring frequent use of synthetic materials. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the clinical benefits of titanium mesh (Ti), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and composite bone cement (CBC) in cranioplasty to provide a clear selection basis for clinicians and patients. This study retrospectively collected data from 207 patients who underwent cranioplasty with Ti (n=129), PEEK (n=54), and CBC (n=24) between January 2018 and December 2020 at Henan Provincial People's Hospital. Postoperative follow-up information after 6 months was used to compare the long-term effects of the 3 materials on the patients. There were no significant differences in the overall complication rate after cranioplasty among the 3 materials. However, subcutaneous effusion was more frequent with PEEK (24.07%) and CBC (20.83%) than with Ti (2.33%). Second, there were no significant differences in the increase in Glasgow Outcome Scale and Karnofsky Performance Status scores after cranioplasty among the 3 materials. Finally, we found that PEEK had the highest patient satisfaction and hospitalization cost, whereas the opposite was true for Ti. Although the surgical outcomes of the 3 implant materials were similar, an examination of clinical outcomes such as patient satisfaction showed significant differences, deepening people's perceptions of the 3 materials.

Bioabsorbable System-Related Subcutaneous Swelling After Craniofacial Surgery.

Bioabsorbable systems have been commonly used in pediatric patients for primary cranioplasty and other related surgeries. However, subcutaneous swelling, a unique complication related to bioabsorbable osteosynthesis, is a concern. Differences in the incidence of subcutaneous swelling, depending on the bioabsorbable material used to construct the plate, are still unknown. The authors retrospectively reviewed all incidences of subcutaneous swelling related to resorbable systems used during primary cranioplasty for patients with craniosynostosis at their hospital between 2014 and 2018 during a 12-month follow-up period. Furthermore, the authors reviewed all published English-language articles (since 1995) on subcutaneous swelling in bioabsorbable systems used for craniosynostosis. The most common resorbable systems used in the literature were divided into 2 groups: mixtures of poly D-lactic acid and polyglycolic acid, and mixtures of poly D- and L-lactic acid. In patients for whom poly D-lactic acid and polyglycolic acid were used, the incidence of subcutaneous swelling during resorption was 0% to 4.2% between 3 and 9 months of follow-up. In patients for whom poly D- and L-lactic acid was used, subcutaneous swelling during resorption occurred in 5% to 16.7% of these patients between 6 and 12 months of follow-up. All cases resolved spontaneously after complete absorption of the plate. It was difficult to determine which system had the lowest incidence of subcutaneous swelling. The thickness of each resorbable system and the thickness of the infants' scalps were different in each study. However, subcutaneous swelling occurred in every resorbable system. Therefore, preoperative counseling and careful follow-up are necessary.

Complications of cranioplasty following decompressive craniectomy for traumatic brain injury: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is a common neurosurgical intervention for severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), as well as malignant stroke, malignancy and infection. DC necessitates subsequent cranioplasty. There are significant demographic differences between TBI and non-TBI patients undergoing cranioplasty, which may influence their relative risk profiles for infection, aseptic bone flap resorption (aBFR) and re-operation. Perform a meta-analysis to determine the relative infection, aBFR and re-operation risk profiles of TBI patients as compared to other indications for DC. A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE and Google Scholar were searched until 26/11/2020. Studies detailing rates of infection, re-operation and/or aBFR in specific materials and the post-TBI population were included, while studies in paediatrics or craniosynostosis repair were excluded. Twenty-six studies were included. There was no difference in relative risk of infection between TBI and non-TBI cohorts (RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.57-1.17), with insignificant heterogeneity (I2 = 33%). TBI was a risk factor for aBFR (RR 1.54, 95% CI 1.25-1.89), with no significant heterogeneity (I2 = 13%). TBI was a risk factor for re-operation in the autologous sub-group (RR 1.49, 95% CI 1.05-2.11) but not in the alloplastic sub-group (RR = 0.86, 95% CI 0.34-2.18). Heterogeneity was insignificant (I2 = 11%). TBI is a risk factor for aBFR and re-operation following cranioplasty. Use of an alloplastic graft for primary cranioplasty in these patients may partially mitigate this increased risk.

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.

Les chirurgies secondaires après résultats défavorables dans la couverture des pertes de substance du cuir chevelu

The unfavorable results in scalp defects treatment are represented essentially by: local flap necrosis; cicatricial alopecia-calvarial contour defects; wide and poorly positioned scalp's scars. The secondary surgeries dealing with the new scalp defect (necrosis or alopecia) include: readvancement of prior flaps-raising a new local flap-tissu expansion-skin grafts-free flaps, bringing skin, muscle or vascularized bone. Their indications depend on the size of this defect, the presence of pericranium, the vascular condition of the scalp and the general condition of the patient. The secondary calvarial reconstructions are regularly done by alloplastic techniques, but sometimes autologous techniques are used. The presence of well vascularized skin coverage and the absence of local infection are mandatory before this cranioplasty. The scalp's scars can be effectively camouflaged by the classical hair minigrafting techniques. Certain principles must be applied to avoid these unfavorable results: one large axial rotation or transposition flap is better than multiple flaps and numerous scalp incisions, particularly for the beginners; hair growth can hide easily the scars when local flaps are well designed; excessive tension during local flaps closure must be avoided; galeal scoring and skin grafting of the donor site of these flaps are useful for that purpose; secondary tissue expansion can resolve many problems if the design of prior local flaps is correct; primary cranioplasty must be avoided if there is a risk of contamination; when the general condition of the patient is bad, treatment of such defects with simple methods is preferable.

Postoperative Drain Use in Cranial Vault Remodeling: A Survey of Craniofacial Surgeon Practices and a Review of the Literature.

The use of subgaleal drains following primary cranioplasty for craniosynostosis has undergone limited investigation. Proposed benefits include prevention of seroma, detection of postoperative bleeding, and cerebrospinal fluid leak. We conducted a systematic review of the literature and surveyed craniofacial surgeons to ascertain the current evidence pertaining to drain use following primary cranioplasty for craniosynostosis and to determine surgical practice patterns. PubMed and Embase databases were searched to identify relevant articles. Abstracts were reviewed by 2 investigators, and a Cohen κ statistic was calculated. Patient demographic and outcome data were extracted and compared. A 9-question survey was e-mailed to active and associate members of the American Society of Craniofacial Surgeons. A total of 7395 unique citations were identified. Only 2 retrospective chart reviews met inclusion criteria. All objective parameters demonstrated no difference between patients with and without drains. A subjective benefit of limiting facial swelling was proposed without objective analysis. Fifty (32.5%) of the 154 craniofacial surgeons responded to the survey. Forty-two percent used postoperative drains. A significant association (P = .01) was found between the belief that drains limited facial swelling and their use. The literature examining postoperative drain use in primary cranioplasty for craniosynostosis is restricted. The current studies show no definite benefit to drain use but are limited in their assessment of key outcomes. There is wide variability among surgeons regarding drain use, and this seems to be motivated by belief and tradition.

A randomised controlled trial comparing autologous cranioplasty with custom-made titanium cranioplasty: long-term follow-up.

To compare the long-term outcomes of patients who had been randomly allocated to receive primary titanium cranioplasty or autologous bone graft following decompressive craniectomy. Sixty-four patients had been previously enrolled and randomised to receive either their own bone graft or a primary titanium cranioplasty. Functional and cosmetic outcomes had previously been assessed at 1-year following the cranioplasty procedure. Hospital records and the Picture Archiving communication system were reviewed to determine how many patients had cranioplasty failure or associated complications such as seizures beyond 1year-with a minimum of 24-month follow-up. Amongst the 31 patients in the titanium group (one patient had died), no patients had a partial or complete cranioplasty failure at 12months follow-up and there had been no failures beyond 12months. Amongst the 31 patients who had an autologous cranioplasty (one patient had died), 7 patients had complete resorption of the autologous bone such that it was adjudged a complete failure at 12-month follow-up. Five of these patients had had titanium augmentation and two patients declined further surgery. Both of these patients requested cranial augmentation for functional and cosmetic reasons subsequent to the 12-month follow-up. Another patient who had previously been noted to have moderate resorption at 12months presented 1year later with progressive bone flap resorption and also required subsequent augmentation for functional and cosmetic reasons. When follow-up was extended to a minimum of 24months, use of titanium instead of autologous bone for primary cranioplasty resulted in a significant reduction in the number of patients who required rescue cranioplasty (0 vs 25%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 9.1-42.1%; p = 0.001). In addition, there were significantly less total hospital healthcare costs in those patients randomised to the titanium arm of the trial (difference = A$9999, 95%CI 2231-17,768; p = 0.015). Bone resorption continued to occur beyond 12months after autologous cranioplasty; use of primary titanium cranioplasty after decompressive craniectomy reduced the number of reoperations needed and the associated long-term total hospital costs.

Rapid Intraoperative in Situ Synthetic Cranioplasty

Craniectomy is a frequently performed neurosurgical procedure, and coverage of the cranial defect is necessary for protection of the underlying brain, cosmesis, and patient satisfaction. We report a new technique for intraoperative in situ synthetic cranioplasty that provides one-step resection of skull osteomas and reconstruction of cranial defects. Strategies of intraoperative cranioplasty are reviewed. A 48-year-old man who presented with a suspected benign osteoma over his forehead was offered surgical excision and primary cranioplasty in a one-step procedure using hydroxyapatite bone cement, a dural prosthetic, and a resorbable plate. Following craniectomy around the lesion, there was evidence of dural and bone involvement. The craniectomy was enlarged, and the involved dura was resected. SYNTHECEL dura repair was used to repair the dural defect and at the same time fashioned to form a receptacle for the cranioplasty by fixation of the dural substrate to the cut vertical bone edges. DirectInject hydroxyapatite bone cement was used to fill the receptacle and contoured to the curvature of the adjacent skull. A Delta resorbable plate was then placed over the bone cement and fixed to the skull. This technique provided a satisfactory cosmetic outcome following craniectomy for benign skull tumor excision. When possible, one-step surgery with primary cranioplasty should be considered.

Cranioplasty Using a Mixture of Biologic and Nonbiologic Agents.

A surgeon faces challenges with cranioplasty techniques to achieve a successful result with relatively few complications. To describe a unique technique for incorporating both biologic autologous bone and nonbiologic allograft materials for defect coverage in cranioplasty with favorable outcomes and low occurrence of complications. A retrospective medical records review of all 26 patients who underwent primary cranioplasty procedure with a modified technique between January 2011 and December 2015 at a high-volume head and neck oncologic reconstructive practice was conducted; data analysis was also performed during that period. After several years of experience with traditional cranioplasty maneuvers, the modified technique has evolved to incorporate both autologous bone grafts and alloplastic materials in the formation of a shapeable on-lay material. Data were collected on demographics, need for cranioplasty, materials used, outcomes, and risk factors. Rates of infection, hematoma, flap loss or resorption, cerebrospinal fluid leak, hardware exposure or malfunction, and repeated reconstruction. Of the 26 patients, 21 (81%) were men; mean (SD) age was 65.8 (14.3) years. Eight (31%) patients had a history of diabetes, 4 (15%) patients were receiving immunosuppressive drugs, and 5 (19%) patients were active smokers at the time of surgery. Neoplasia was the most common cause of the calvarial defect seen, responsible for 20 of 28 (71%) operative defects and necessitated procedures. All but 1 patient achieved successful mineralization following primary cranioplasty with the modified technique; this success was verified based on physical examination and follow-up imaging. Complications were rare and involved only 3 patients who developed postoperative infection; 1 (4%) of these patients lost the integrity of the cranioplasty. Thus, the rate of infection was 11% and loss rate was 4%. Preoperative and postoperative radiotherapy appeared to have no bearing on graft survival. The results using a unique technique for incorporating both biologic autologous bone and nonbiologic allograft materials for defect coverage in cranioplasty are favorable, with satisfactory aesthetic outcomes and limited postoperative complications. 4.

Cranioplasty Outcomes and Analysis of the Factors Influencing Surgical Site Infection: A Retrospective Review of More than 10 Years of Institutional Experience.

As a large amount of clinical evidence supports the use of craniectomy, the frequency of subsequent cranioplasty is increasing. Conflicting complication rates and risk factors of cranioplasty have been reported. We reviewed >10 years of institutional experience to identify risk factors of surgical site infection (SSI) after cranioplasty. A retrospective review was conducted of patients who underwent primary cranioplasty. Patients <16 years old, patients with a history of cranial infection, and patients who underwent ventricular shunt surgery were excluded. There were 155 patients eligible for analysis. Complication rate and the risk factors associated with SSI were determined. The overall complication rate was 12.3%. There were 13 cases of SSI (8.4%), 4 cases of postoperative epidural hemorrhage (2.6%), and 2 cases of postoperative wound dehiscence (1.3%). There was a significant relationship between operative time and SSI (P < 0.001). The optimal cutoff value of operative time for predicting SSI was 98 minutes, and the relative risk ratio was 7.4 in patients with an operative time of >98 minutes. A high number of complications can occur after cranioplasty. Close attention should be paid to SSI development in patients who require a long operative time.

Dandy Walker and Extreme Macrocephaly Caused by Enormous Occipital Encephalocele

Abstract Introduction. Dandy-Walker syndrome is a congenital brain malformation involving cerebellum with partial and complete vermian agenesis, enlargement of the fourth ventricle and surrounding fluid spaces, cyst formation in posterior cranial fosse pushing tentorium upward [1,2]. Hydrocephalus or an increase in the pressure of the fluid spaces may also be present or other malformation as corpus calosum hypoplasia or agenesia, occipital encephalocele, malformation of the heart, face, limbs fingers and toes [3-5]. The symptoms often occur in early infancy and include slow motor development and progressive enlargement of the skull. The diagnostic is done by ultrasound, CT and MRI [6-11]. The treatment of this syndrome may be complex and sometimes includes various experts such as pediatrician, pediatric neurosurgeon, physiatrist, psychologist, sociologist or others. The treatment consists of treating the associated problems such as hydrocephaly [12-15]. Prognosis of Dandy-Walker syndrome is variable and the morbidity and mortality depends on severity of the syndrome and associated malformations [16]. Aim. The aim of this paper was to demonstrate how severe spontaneous evolution of Dandy-Walker syndrome may be expressed and the problems and dilemmas which may appear related to its treatment. Case report. A six-year-old boy was referred to the neurosurgeon because of the excessive growth of the skull in anteroposterior axis caused by a wide base occipital encephalocele. Although the psychological development was near the low limit of the IQ, the enormous head had not allowed verticalization of the child and further progress of his psychomotor development. The head was so heavy that could not be supported by the child’s neck. Surgical procedure. We performed a cranial skull reduction with primary cranioplasty assisted by a plastic surgeon and Pudentz shunt procedure. Result. The follow-up period lasted two years. The child started to walk, hypotonia and Babinski signs disappeared, communication and his IQ improved. The esthetic results are quite acceptable allowing him better development. Conclusion. The early recognition of anomalies such as Dandy-Walker syndrome with occipital encephalocele using ultrasound may suggest interruption of the pregnancy on time [6-9]. However, the right diagnostic procedure for detecting deformities of the newborn and infant’s head at birth is MRI, and the adequate surgical treatment can prevent abnormal and excessive growth of the skull and disorders in the psychomotor development during child’s growth. A multidisciplinary approach may prevent new disabled individuals in the society.

Is There An Optimal Time for Performing Cranioplasties? Results from a Prospective Multinational Study

The optimal timing of cranioplasty remains uncertain. We hypothesized that the risk of infections after primary cranioplasty in adult patients who underwent craniectomies for non-infection-related indications are no different when performed early or delayed. We tested this hypothesis in a prospective, multicenter, cohort study. Data were collected prospectively from 5 neurosurgical centers in the United Kingdom, Malaysia, Singapore, and Bangladesh. Only patients older than 16 years from the time of the non-infection-related craniectomy were included. The recruitment period was over 17 months, and postoperative follow-up was at least 6 months. Patient baseline characteristics, rate of infections, and incidence of hydrocephalus were collected. Seventy patients were included in this study. There were 25 patients in the early cranioplasty cohort (cranioplasty performed before 12 weeks) and 45 patients in the late cranioplasty cohort (cranioplasty performed after 12 weeks). The follow-up period ranged between 16 and 34 months (mean, 23 months). Baseline characteristics were largely similar but differed only in prophylactic antibiotics received (P= 0.28), and primary surgeon performing cranioplasty (P= 0.15). There were no infections in the early cranioplasty cohort, whereas 3 infections were recorded in the late cohort. This did not reach statistical significance (P= 0.55). Early cranioplasty in non-infection-related craniectomy is relatively safe. There does not appear to be an added advantage to delaying cranioplasties more than 12 weeks after the initial craniectomy in terms of infection reduction. There was no significant difference in infection rates or risk of hydrocephalus between the early and late cohorts.

Computed-tomography modeled polyether ether ketone (PEEK) implants in revision cranioplasty

Traditional cranioplasty methods focus on pre-operative or intraoperative hand molding. Recently, CT-guided polyether ether ketone (PEEK) plate reconstruction enables precise, time-saving reconstruction. This case series aims to show a single institution experience with use of PEEK cranioplasty as an effective, safe, precise, reusable, and time-saving cranioplasty technique in large, complex cranial defects. We performed a 6-year retrospective review of cranioplasty procedures performed at our affiliated hospitals using PEEK implants. A total of nineteen patients underwent twenty-two cranioplasty procedures. Pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative data was collected. Nineteen patients underwent twenty-two procedures. Time interval from injury to loss of primary cranioplasty averaged 57.7 months (0-336 mo); 4.0 months (n=10, range 0-19) in cases of trauma. Time interval from primary cranioplasty loss to PEEK cranioplasty was 11.8 months for infection (n=11, range 6-25 mo), 12.2 months for trauma (n=5, range 2-27 mo), and 0.3 months for cosmetic or functional reconstructions (n=3, range 0-1). Similar surgical techniques were used in all patients. Drains were placed in 11/22 procedures. Varying techniques were used in skin closure, including adjacent tissue transfer (4/22) and free tissue transfer (1/22). The PEEK plate required modification in four procedures. Three patients had reoperation following PEEK plate reconstruction. Cranioplasty utilizing CT-guided PEEK plate allows easy inset, anatomic accuracy, mirror image aesthetics, simplification of complex 3D defects, and potential time savings. Additionally, it's easily manipulated in the operating room, and can be easily re-utilized in cases of intraoperative course changes or infection.

Long-term results following titanium cranioplasty of large skull defects

Decompressive craniectomy is an established procedure to lower intracranial pressure. Therefore, cranioplasty remains a necessity in neurosurgery as well. If the patient's own bone flap is not available, the surgeon can choose between various alloplast grafts. A review of the literature proves that 4-13.8% of polymethylmethacrylate plates and 2.6-10% of hydroxyapatite-based implants require replacement. In this retrospective study of large skull defects, the authors compared computer-assisted design/computer-assisted modeled (CAD/CAM) titanium implants for cranioplasty with other frequently used materials described in literature. Twenty-six patients underwent cranioplasty with CAD/CAM titanium implants (mean diameter 112 mm). With the aid of visual analog scales, the patients' pain and cosmesis were evaluated 6-12 years (mean 8.1 years) after insertion of the implants. None of the implants had to be removed. Of all patients, 68% declared their outcomes as excellent, 24% as good, 0.8% as fair, and 0% as poor. There was no resulting pain in 84% of the patients, and 88% were satisfied with the cosmetic result, noting > 75 mm on the visual analog scale of cosmesis. All patients would have chosen cranioplasty again, stating an improvement in their quality of life by the calvarial reconstruction. Nevertheless, follow-up images obtained in 4 patients undergoing removal of meningiomas was only suboptimal. With the aid of CAD technology, all currently used alloplastic materials are suited even for large skull defect cranioplasty. Analysis of the authors' data and the literature shows that cranioplasty with CAD/CAM titanium implants provides the lowest rate of complications, reasonable costs, and acceptable postoperative imaging. Polymethylmethacrylate is suited for primary cranioplasty or for long-term follow-up imaging of tumors. Titanium implants seem to be the material of choice for secondary cranioplasty of large skull defects resulting from decompressive craniectomy after trauma or infarction. Expensive HA-based ceramics show no obvious advantage over titanium or PMMA.

Skull osteolysis after mild head trauma: case report

BACKGROUND To our knowledge, there have been only two reported cases of patients with osteolytic skull lesions secondary to head trauma without concomitant skull fracture. METHODS We present a case of skull bone lysis, not associated with skull fracture in a 20-year-old male, after mild head injury. During surgery, tumorous skull tissue of benign appearance was excised and primary cranioplasty was performed. RESULTS The pathological examination showed an inflammatory reactive process within the bone lesion. Three years after surgery the patient was asymptomatic and studies did not show any new bone changes. CONCLUSIONS The authors draw attention to this exceptionally rare condition, pointing out the necessity of surgical biopsy, contrary to some opinions.

Primary cranioplasty in depressed skull fracture with open lesion of the scalp

Os autores referem 13 casos de afundamentos crânio-encefálicos pós-traumáticos com ferimento aberto do couro cabeludo nos quais foi usado o metilmetacrilato em uma única intervenção cirúrgica. A sede do afundamento era frontal em 9 casos, parietal em dois, parieto-temporal em um e parieto-occipital em um. Os afundamentos interessavam apenas a tábua óssea em 5 casos, estavam associados a lesão de dura-mater em três e também do tecido cerebral em 5. Foi realizada cranioplastia simples em 5 casos e, em 8, ela foi precedida de plástica de dura-mater. O seguimento pós-operatório variou de dois meses a dois anos; até o momento não foi assinalada ocorrência de infecção ou de fenômeno de rejeição da prótese que obrigasse a sua retirada.