Split Calvarial Bone Graft Research Articles

Cranial Base Reconstruction and Secondary Frontal Advancement for Meningoencephalocele Following LeFort III Osteotomy in a Patient with Crouzon Syndrome: Case Report.

Patients with Crouzon syndrome have increased risks of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea and meningoencephalocele after LeFort III osteotomy. We report a rare case of meningoencephalocele following LeFort III midface advancement in a patient with Crouzon syndrome. Over 10 years since it was incidentally found during transnasal endoscopic orbital decompression, the untreated meningoencephalocele eventually led to intermittent clear nasal discharge, frontal headache, and seizure. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated meningoencephalocele in the left frontal-ethmoid-maxillary sinus through a focal defect of the anterior cranial base. Through bifrontal craniotomy, the meningoencephalocele was removed and the anterior cranial base was reconstructed with a pericranial flap and split calvarial bone graft. Secondary frontal advancement was concurrently performed to relieve suspicious increased intracranial pressure, limit visual deterioration, and improve the forehead shape. Surgeons should be aware that patients with Crouzon syndrome have the potential for an unrecognized dural injury during LeFort III osteotomy due to anatomical differences such as inferior displacement and thinning of the anterior cranial base.

Reconstructive Approaches Following Sphenoorbital Meningioma Resection.

Sphenoorbital meningiomas are a challenge to access and reconstruct. Although there is much neurosurgical literature on resection of such tumors, there is little discussion on the best methods for the reconstruction of consequent defects, which are often extensive due to large areas of hyperostosis requiring resection. We performed a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent resection and reconstruction of a sphenoorbital meningioma by the senior authors (C.S. and D.A.S.) between 2010 and 2020. Surgical access in all cases included an orbitozygomatic osteotomy. The study cohort consisted of 23 patients (20 female, 3 male) with an average age of 50 (range: 37-72) years at the time of surgery. Most patients had progressive proptosis before the ablative operation. Orbital reconstruction was with a combined titanium-Medpor implant in 18 patients, split calvarial bone graft in 3 patients, and a Medpor implant in 2 patients. Calvarial reconstruction was performed with titanium mesh in 21 patients, split calvarial bone graft and titanium mesh in 1 patient, and craniotomy bone and titanium plate in 1 patient. Reoperation was required in 7 patients due to hypoglobus or enophthalmos (N=2), orbital implant malposition (N=1), abscess (N=1), pain (N=1), intracranial fat graft modification (N=1), and soft tissue deformities (N=2). Our experience demonstrates that sphenoorbital meningiomas can require broad areas of resection of the skull base and calvarium and necessitate comprehensive reconstruction of the anterior cranial fossa, orbital walls, and cranium. Collaboration between craniofacial surgeons and neurosurgeons can achieve optimal results.

Treatment of Fibrous Dysplasia of the Fronto-Orbital Area with Radical Resection and Autogenous Reconstruction Using Split Calvarial Bone Graft: A Case Report

Treatment of Fibrous Dysplasia of the Fronto-Orbital Area with Radical Resection and Autogenous Reconstruction Using Split Calvarial Bone Graft: A Case Report

Unilateral Tension Pneumocephalus of the Sylvian Fissure: A Rare Neurosurgical Complication

Tension pneumocephalus is an uncommon complication of neurosurgical procedures. We report a patient who presented with headache, vomiting, left hemiparesis and rhinorrhea 30 days after correction of a recurrent nasal cerebrospinal fluid fistula and shunt placement. A computed tomography scan revealed a massive collection of air with air-fluid level in the right sylvian fissure and midline shift. A right pterional craniotomy was performed and a small corticectomy resulted in evacuation of air from the sylvian fissure. A dural graft from the previous surgery was recognized to be acting as a ball-valve mechanism, trapping air from the nasal cavity. It was removed and the cranial defect was corrected with a split calvarial bone graft. Follow-up brain computed tomography revealed complete resolution of pneumocephalus. After surgery there was progressive improvement of neurological symptoms over 10 days, and the patient was asymptomatic after 1 month of follow-up.

Quantifying Aerosolization of Facial Plastic Surgery Procedures in the COVID-19 Era: Safety and Particle Generation in Craniomaxillofacial Trauma and Rhinoplasty.

Background: COVID-19 poses a potentially significant infectious risk during procedures of the head and neck due to high viral loads in the nasal cavity and nasopharynx. Facial plastic surgery has significant exposure to these areas during craniomaxillofacial trauma procedures and rhinoplasty. Methods: Airborne particulate generation in the 1-10 μm range was quantified with an optical particle sizer in real time during cadaveric-simulated rhinoplasty and facial trauma conditions. Procedures tested included mandibular plate screw drilling, calvarial drilling, nasal bone osteotomy, nasal dorsal rasping, and piezoelectric saw use. Particulate generation was measured both adjacent to the surgical site and at surgeon mouth level (SML). Results: Mandibular plate screw drilling without irrigation generated significant particulate both adjacent to the surgical site and at SML (p < 0.01). Irrigation mitigated particulate generation at SML to nonsignificant levels. Calvarial drilling additionally produced substantial particulate above baseline adjacent to the surgical site (p < 0.01). Standard nasal osteotomies and dorsal rasping did not generate detectable airborne particulate, whereas piezoelectric saw use was associated with significant particulate generation both adjacent to the surgical site (p < 0.001) and at SML (p < 0.01). At SML, smaller particulate represented a significantly higher proportion of total particulate detected. Conclusions: The majority of craniomaxillofacial trauma procedures involve particle generation that may be limited in spread by the use of local irrigation. Most bony work involved in rhinoplasty can be safely performed without a high degree of particle formation. The use of piezoelectric instruments in rhinoplasty should be avoided when concerned for particulate generation.

Optimizing Reconstruction in Craniosynostosis: Review of Nonsyndromic Patients Treated With a Novel Technique.

Open cranial vault remodeling (CVR) with autologous split calvarial bone grafts redistributes and recontours an abnormal calvarium to create an expanded cranial vault in patients with craniosynostosis. We report a 12-year retrospective review of 162 nonsyndromic patients who underwent operative repair using our previously-described technique which portends excellent surgical outcomes and can be applied to patients of any age group and with any variety of suture fusion. Data was gathered on patients who underwent CVR from 2005 to 2016. Surgical records for each patient were analyzed and included operative time, estimated blood loss, and intraoperative transfusion volumes. Intraoperative and postoperative complications, the need for revision surgery, postoperative length of stay, and follow-up records were also reviewed. Syndromic patients were excluded, as well as patients with incomplete data sets. Patients who underwent either anterior or posterior vault remodeling were compared. A total of 162 patients were included in this case series. Patients undergoing anterior CVR were significantly older than those undergoing posterior CVR (13.3 versus 11.0 months, P < 0.015) and also had significantly greater intraoperative red blood transfusion volumes (20.3 versus 15.3cc/kg, P < 0.0207) and longer operative time than posterior CVR patients (274.9 versus 216.7 minutes, P < 0.0001). No patients required reoperation for resorption or recurrence or persistent contour irregularities. There were no visual or neurological complications. Calvarial bone was successfully split in 100% of cases. This surgical approach to CVR results in good surgical outcomes with a low recurrence rate, while also maximizing operative efficiency, and minimizing total blood loss and transfusion volume. This technique can be applied to any affected suture in a patient with craniosynostosis and in patients of any age group.

Hearing Improvement Following Middle Cranial Fossa Floor Defect Repair Utilizing a Modified Middle Fossa Approach and Reconstructive Techniques.

Few studies report hearing preservation following middle cranial fossa (MCF) floor defect repair. To investigate audiological outcomes following MCF floor defect repair using a modified MCF suprapetrous approach. Retrospective cohort. Tertiary referral center. Eleven patients, with MCF floor defects. MCF floor defect surgical repairs with either fascia or fascia and bone graft. Hearing outcomes. Eleven patients (two men) aged 34 to 82 years (median, 62 yrs) were identified. All patients were operated on by the same two senior surgeons (M.P. and M.G.). One patient with conductive hearing loss (based on tuning fork test) was excluded from the analysis due to missing preoperative audiogram data. All patients had middle fossa plate defects leading to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) otorrhoea, rhinorrhoea, or meningitis. Nine patients had retrieval of herniated contents from the defect. Five patients had repair with temporalis fascia and split calvarial bone graft, and six patients had repair with fascia only. Follow up audiogram was performed at a mean 7.5 months (range, 0.5-24 mo). There was no recurrent CSF leak during the follow up period. The 10 patients (90.9%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 60.1-100.6) who had complete audiologic data sets demonstrated a mean improvement of 18.86 dB (range, -7.5 to 33.75 dB) in hearing postoperatively. One of these patients acquired a 7.5 dB reduction in postoperative hearing due to post-procedural middle ear effusion which subsequently resolved. Hearing improvement following fascial graft alone versus fascial graft with bone was 12.5 and 26.5 dB, respectively (p < 0.01). Middle fossa craniotomy with or without retrieval of herniated contents and floor reconstruction with fascia and bone is associated with improved hearing. Clinical efficacy of this technique, however, can be only fully established when a statistically meaningful number of cases have been performed.

A single centre's experience of managing spheno-orbital meningiomas: lessons for recurrent tumour surgery.

Spheno-orbital meningiomas are complex tumours involving the sphenoid wing and orbit. Various surgical strategies are available but treatment remains challenging and patients often require more than one surgical procedure. This study evaluated whether smaller surgical approaches and newer reconstructive methods impacted the surgical and clinical outcomes of patients undergoing repeat surgery. We retrospectively analysed the medical records of consecutive patients who underwent surgery for a spheno-orbital meningioma at a single tertiary centre between 2005 and 2016. We recorded procedural details and analysed complications, postoperative visual status and patient-reported cosmetic outcome. Thirty-four procedures were performed in 31 patients (M:F 12:22, median age 49years) including 19 (56%) primary operations and 15 (44%) repeat procedures. Seven patients (20.5%) had a pterional craniotomy, 19 (56%) had a standard orbitozygomatic craniotomy and 8 (23.5%) underwent a modified mini-orbitozygomatic craniotomy. Calvarial reconstruction was required in 19 cases with a variety of techniques used including titanium mesh (63%), PEEK (26%) and split calvarial bone graft (5%). Total tumour resection (Simpson grade I-II) was significantly higher in patients undergoing primary surgery compared with those having repeat surgery (41% and 0%, respectively; p = 0.0036). Complications occurred in 14 cases (41%). Proptosis improved in all patients and visual acuity improved or remained stable in 93% of patients. Cosmetic outcome measures were obtained for 18 patients (1 = very poor; 5 = excellent): 1-2, 0%; 3, 33%; 4, 28%; 5, 39%. Tumour recurrence requiring further surgery occurred in four patients (12%). There was no significant difference in clinical outcomes between patients undergoing primary or repeat surgery. Spheno-orbital meningiomas are highly complex tumours. Surgical approaches should be tailored to the patient but good clinical and cosmetic outcomes may be achieved with a smaller craniotomy and custom-made implants, irrespective of whether the operation is the patient's first procedure.

Bone Transport Distraction Osteogenesis in the Reconstruction of Pediatric Posttraumatic Calvarial Defects

Reconstruction of posttraumatic calvarial bone defects in pediatric patients is a challenge due to the growing brain and limited autogenous bone supply. Traditional techniques such as split calvarial and particulate bone grafts are associated with prolonged operative time and significant blood loss, which is a major concern in children under the age of 3 years. Bone transport distraction osteogenesis has proven efficacy and safety in the reconstruction of other craniofacial deformities. This procedure is less invasive and requires shorter operative times and hospital stay. We report our experience with 2 cases of bone transport distraction osteogenesis for the reconstruction of large posttraumatic calvarial defects in pediatric patients.

Discussion: Reconstruction of Secondary Calvarial Defects with Ex Situ Split Calvarial Bone Grafts: Long-Term Evaluation of Outcomes.

Discussion: Reconstruction of Secondary Calvarial Defects with Ex Situ Split Calvarial Bone Grafts: Long-Term Evaluation of Outcomes.

Outcomes of Titanium Mesh Cranioplasty in Pediatric Patients.

Cranial defects in children have been repaired with various materials ranging from autologous bone to synthetic materials. There is little published literature on the outcomes of titanium mesh cranioplasty (TMC) in calvarial reconstruction in the pediatric population. This study evaluates a pediatric cohort who underwent calvarial defect reconstruction with titanium mesh and assesses the efficacy and outcomes of TMC. An Institutional Review Board approved retrospective review of patients ≤18 years of age who underwent cranioplasty from 1999 to 2014 at 2 centers was performed. The cohort undergoing TMC was studied. A total of 159 cranioplasties were performed. Autologous reconstruction included 84 bone flap replacements and 36 split calvarial bone graft reconstructions. Six patients underwent PEEK implant reconstruction. Titanium mesh cranioplasty was performed on 33 patients. Two patients underwent 2 separate cranioplasties. The median age of patients was 6 years (19 months to 18 years). The most common underlying etiologies were congenital syndromes/craniosynostosis (13 patients), and trauma (11). The majority of patients had prior cranial surgeries (85%). Various types of titanium mesh were used with sizes ranging from 2×3 cm to 19×20 cm, with some patients requiring distinct areas of defect reconstruction. Perioperative complications were noted in 2 patients that subsequently improved. Two patients had late soft tissue problems with complications of wound infections requiring resection of a portion of the mesh. Patients were followed an average of 4 years (range 13 days to 6.8 years), with 2 patients lost to follow-up. Overall, all patients with follow-up achieved a cranial contour with good symmetry to the unaffected side, as well as effective protection to the brain. Titanium mesh cranioplasty is an effective option for correcting pediatric cranial defects when autologous bone availability is limited and soft tissue coverage allows placement of an implant. The interim outcome for these patients is favorable with few complications and no evidence of growth restriction in the authors' series. Follow-up will be ongoing for these patients.

Reconstruction of Large Calvarial Defects Using Titanium Mesh Versus Autologous Split Thickness Calvarial Bone Grafts: A Comprehensive Comparative Evaluation of the Two Major Cranioplasty Techniques.

Both alloplastic 3-D dynamic titanium mesh implants and Autogenous split calvarial cortico-cancellous bone grafts have been extensively used for cranial defect reconstruction. Whether either method is procedurally, cosmetically or therapeutically superior to the other, has rarely been studied or evaluated. The aim of the study was to objectively examine, assess, evaluate and compare the procedural ease, convenience, safety and versatility of cranioplasty performed using titanium mesh implants versus split calvarial grafts and to compare the intra- and post-operative complications encountered, and the cosmetic and therapeutic outcomes achieved using these two cranioplasty techniques. A retrospective analysis was carried out on 40 patients with large post-craniectomy defects, who underwent cranioplasty between 2012 and 2016. Twenty patients underwent cranioplasty with titanium mesh implants and 20 with split calvarial cortico-cancellous bone grafts. Post-operative follow-up ranged from 1 to 5years and the patients were observed (clinically as well as by means of radiographs and CT scans) for cosmetic, functional and neurological improvements. Titanium mesh cranioplasty afforded more benefits, such as a shorter operating time, ease in manipulation, absence of donor-site morbidity, usefulness in previously infected or compromised recipient sites, absence of the risk of graft resorption or rejection, and a ready means to aspirate any post-operative epidural collection through its mesh structure. It also compared favorably when the cranial defects were large, owing to its, so to speak, limitless supply viz a viz, the relative paucity of harvestable split calvarial bone autograft. Both modalities have their pros and cons. Split calvarial grafting is the more physiologic and less expensive option, useful for small- to medium-sized defects, while titanium mesh is the safer, more versatile, reliable and often preferred option, particularly when the cranial defects are large and also in severe head injury patients in whom harvesting calvarial bone could further compromise the already traumatized calvarium with possible stress fractures, further endangering its vital contents.

Saddle Nose Reconstruction with Bone Graft in Multiple Facial Fracture Patients

Background: Saddle nose deformities mostly result from trauma. Most reports of saddle nose correction after trauma relate to isolated fractures, but in this article the experience of the authors is presented in relation to bone grafting for the correction of the saddle nose in multiple facial fracture patients. Objectives: The current study aimed to report the results of a protocol for choosing the source of bone graft for dorsal nasal bone grafting in acute trauma patients with multiple facial fractures. Patients and Methods: In a retrospective study, archived files of maxillofacial trauma patients who were treated between 2005 and 2012 at Mashhad Emdad hospital (a level one trauma center) were reviewed. Cases were selected in which a traumatic saddle nose deformity concomitant with other facial fractures had been corrected with dorsal nasal bone grafting. The donor site, type of fixation, access to the dorsum of the nose, associated facial fractures, shape of the graft (cantilever or L-shaped), and plane of dissection in the dorsum of the nose (subperiosteal or subcutaneous) were assessed. Results: There were 11 patients treated using this method. The male-to-female ratio was 7:5. One miniscrew with the lag technique was the preferred method for the fixation of the dorsal nasal bone graft. Splitcalvarial bone graft was the most commonly used type of bone graft. An open rhinoplasty approach and maxillary degloving were two commonly used incisions, and the most commonly associated fractures were maxillary Lefort fractures. The cantilever design was used in eight patients for the correction of the saddle nose deformity, and in four patients the bone graft was inserted into the nose in the subcutaneous plane. Conclusions: Saddle nose reconstruction with bone graft in multiple facial fracture patients is a predictable method if surgical accesses to the region are carefully designed, considering the accompanying fractures.

Customized "In-Office" Three-Dimensional Printing for Virtual Surgical Planning in Craniofacial Surgery.

Virtual surgical planning using three-dimensional (3D) printing technology has improved surgical efficiency and precision. A limitation to this technology is that production of 3D surgical models requires a third-party source, leading to increased costs (up to $4000) and prolonged assembly times (averaging 2-3 weeks). The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility, cost, and production time of customized skull models created by an "in-office" 3D printer for craniofacial reconstruction. Two patients underwent craniofacial reconstruction with the assistance of "in-office" 3D printing technology. Three-dimensional skull models were created from a bioplastic filament with a 3D printer using computed tomography (CT) image data. The cost and production time for each model were measured. For both patients, a customized 3D surgical model was used preoperatively to plan split calvarial bone grafting and intraoperatively to more efficiently and precisely perform the craniofacial reconstruction. The average cost for surgical model production with the "in-office" 3D printer was $25 (cost of bioplastic materials used to create surgical model) and the average production time was 14 hours. Virtual surgical planning using "in office" 3D printing is feasible and allows for a more cost-effective and less time consuming method for creating surgical models and guides. By bringing 3D printing to the office setting, we hope to improve intraoperative efficiency, surgical precision, and overall cost for various types of craniofacial and reconstructive surgery.

Large maxillomandibular advancements for obstructive sleep apnea: An operative technique evolved over 30 years

ObjectiveObstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can be a challenging disorder to treat. Maxillomandibular advancements (MMAs) generally have high success rates; however, larger advancements have higher success and cure rates. Our aim is to present and to describe the current technique used by the senior authors, which has been successful for performing large advancements, thereby improving post-operative outcomes. MethodsThe senior authors have developed and modified their maxillomandibular advancement operative techniques significantly over the past 30 years. The current version of the Riley–Powell MMA technique is described in a step-by-step fashion in this article. ResultsInitially, as part of the MMAs, patients underwent maxillomandibular fixation with wires, lag screws and harvested split calvarial bone grafts. The current technique utilizes plates, screws, Erich Arch Bars, and suspension wires which are left in place for 5–6 weeks. Guiding elastics are worn for the first week. The MMA technique described in this article has yielded a success rate over 90% for patients with a body mass index (BMI) <40 kg/m2 and 81% for patients with a BMI ≥40 kg/m2. ConclusionLarge advancements during maxillomandibular advancement surgeries can help improve post-operative obstructive sleep apnea outcomes.

Piezosurgery for the repair of middle cranial fossa meningoencephaloceles.

To describe the use of a piezosurgery medical device to perform a craniotomy and produce a split calvarial graft for the repair of middle cranial fossa meningoencephaloceles. Retrospective case review. Tertiary referral hospital. Ten consecutive patients undergoing middle cranial fossa approach for the repair of meningoencephaloceles. Therapeutic. Intraoperative and postoperative complications, success rate as defined by the ability to fashion a split calvarial graft that achieves complete closure of the tegmen defect. As a secondary outcome measure, evidence of integration of the split calvarial bone graft with the adjacent skull base was assessed. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. An appropriately sized calvarial bone graft was produced, and complete closure of the tegmen defect was achieved in all 10 cases. Computed tomography demonstrated evidence of integration of the bone graft in eight cases between 4 and 9 months after surgery. The piezosurgery medical device provides a safe and effective means by which the middle fossa craniotomy and split calvarial bone graft can be produced to repair defects of the middle fossa tegmen, with integration of the bone graft in the majority of cases.

Technical Strategies for En Bloc Resection and Immediate Reconstruction in Hemangioma of the Frontal Bone

Hemangioma of the skull is a benign solitary tumor, often found in the frontal or parietal area. A hemangioma lesion typically involves the outer table rather than the inner, but its complete removal at the diploe level is difficult. Full-thickness resection at the calvaria is often needed to ensure a free margin, but it will leave a bony defect that requires reconstruction. Although curettage and covering of the lesion with alloplastic material are a simple treatment option for hemangioma of the skull, it does not always prevent recurrence. Hence, complete resection is needed. As our technical strategies for reconstruction, we organize a split calvarial bone graft if a defect is near the frontal sinus and calcium phosphate cement if it is somewhat far from the sinus.

Changes in graft thickness after skull defect reconstruction with autogenous split calvarial bone graft.

The ideal material for primary reconstruction of skull defect would be the autogenous bone. However, the long-term evaluation regarding the change in bone graft thickness has not been reported. In this article, we analyzed the thickness changes of the graft according to the time period. Between March 2005 and February 2011, a total of 29 patients underwent skull reconstruction with autogenous split calvarial bone grafts. After applying exclusion criteria, computed tomographic (CT) images of 15 patients were analyzed. The donor bone was harvested in full thickness as 1 piece and then as split. One half of the bone plate was transferred to the defect site; the other half, to the donor site. Both halves were fixed with titanium plates. To compare graft thickness changes, immediate postoperative and follow-up CT scans were analyzed by a single researcher. An anatomic reference was appointed for each patient, and the thickness of the graft on the same level was measured on time-series CT images. Collected data were analyzed with a polynomial random coefficient model. The main causes of the skull defects were trauma and tumor excision. In all cases, the graft thickness was not decreased but even increased in both the donor and recipient sites. The mean graft thicknesses between 6 months and 1 year after the surgery as well as those between 2 and 3 years after the surgery were 1.24-times and 1.56-times thicker than the immediate postoperative thickness, respectively. Graft thickness turned out to be either maintained or increased over time.

Calvarial thickness and diploic space development in children with sagittal synostosis as assessed by computed tomography.

Following surgical management of craniosynostosis, residual calvarial defects may require reconstruction, frequently with the use of cranial bone grafts. Knowledge of optimal sites for harvest would be beneficial in such situations. The goal of this study is to compare calvarial thickness (CALV) and diploic thickness (DIPL) in children with corrected sagittal synostosis to normal controls (n = 47) using postoperative CT scans. We also compare the results from children who had undergone open (OPEN) (n = 26) and endoscopic (ENDO) (n = 26) surgery. On each skull, CALV and DIPL were measured at 44 points over 5 regions. Multiple regression analysis was used to compare CALV and DIPL controlling for gender and age. Children who had undergone previous craniosynostosis correction tended to have thinner CALV compared to controls in operated regions but thicker CALV in unoperated regions (P < 0.001). Adjusted mean CALV was thinner overall in ENDO compared to OPEN (P = 0.020). Children with corrected sagittal synostosis have thinner DIPL than controls (P = 0.002). No difference was found in DIPL comparing OPEN and ENDO (P = 0.977) approaches. Children who had undergone previous craniosynostosis correction tended to have thinner CALV when compared to controls in operated regions but thicker CALV in unoperated regions. ENDO calvaria were thinner than OPEN calvaria. Children with corrected sagittal synostosis have thinner DIPL than controls; no difference was found in DIPL comparing OPEN and ENDO approaches. Due to irregularities in bone development among children who had previously undergone calvarial reconstruction, individualized preoperative CT assessment is recommended in all patients undergoing secondary split calvarial bone grafting procedures.

Growing skull fracture repair by porous polyethylene sheet

Growing skull fracture (GSF) is a rare non-neurological sequel to head injuries in infants and young children and remains almost undetected in the first few years of life. GSF with large calvarial defect in children is difficult to treat because of the absence of sufficient autograft and requires alternative materials for cranioplasty. Autologous split calvarial bone graft is the gold standard for repair, which is difficult to harvest, in very small children. We performed a cranioplasty in a 3-year-old boy with GSF with large temporo-parietal defect using polyethylene sheet along with free galeal graft duraplasty; presented here with review of the literature. It provides a stable, esthetic, permanent calvarial replacement without any additional procedures is easy to perform and does not require extensive instrumentation. Clinicians, especially in the developing world, where specialized services are at a premium, should keep this procedure in their armamentarium while dealing with this rare subset of cases.