Titanium Cranioplasty Research Articles

Outcomes of Immediate Titanium Cranioplasty Following Post-Craniotomy Infection.

When craniotomy complicated by secondary infection requires debridement and craniectomy, the bony defect is typically not reconstructed immediately. Due to concerns about placing a prosthetic material in an infected field, cranioplasty has traditionally been delayed by weeks or months after craniectomy. However, surgeons have begun performing single-stage cranioplasty after craniectomy in an effort to reduce the morbidity associated with multiple procedures and reduce overall healthcare costs. The purpose of this systematic review is to analyze outcomes of immediate cranioplasty performed after bone flap debridement secondary to infection. A literature review from January 1, 1998 through January 1, 2019 was conducted, examining the data on immediate titanium cranioplasty and its complication and reoperation rates. A meta-analysis of these articles was then performed. Variables studied included incidence of infection post-cranioplasty, wound healing complications, need for unplanned reoperation, and mortality. In total, there were 40 patients who underwent immediate cranioplasty after bone flap debridement. Overall, there was a 5% rate of postoperative infection, a 12.5% rate of unplanned return to the operating room, 7.5% rate of CSF fistula or leak, a 2.5% rate of hematoma, and a 2.5% rate of mortality within the immediate post-op period. Although there are insufficient data in the literature to rigorously compare these immediate cranioplasties in a direct way with the more traditional delayed type; the outcomes of immediate cranioplasty procedures secondary to craniectomy for infection were similar to the outcomes of delayed cranioplasty after craniectomy for any reason. Given these results, immediate titanium cranioplasty should be considered in select patients.

3D model with a titanium cranioplasty plate

This image is of a 3D model with a titanium cranioplasty plate. The plate replaces an area of the skull that has previously been removed due to a brain tumour. The Maxillofacial department at Morri...

Evaluation of titanium mesh cranioplasty and polyetheretherketone cranioplasty: protocol for a multicentre, assessor-blinded, randomised controlled trial

IntroductionCranioplasty is a common surgery in neurosurgery department. However, restoring the integrity of skull brings many challenges to surgeons, and the selection of ideal implant materials is throughout the history...

Single procedure revision cranioplasty with intra-operative autoclave following titanium plate exposure

Background: Patients with titanium cranioplasties can develop skin defects and plate exposure requiring revision surgery to prevent infection. The management of these patients has historically been staged surgery to remove the exposed plate followed by re-implantation of a sterile plate at a later date.Objectives: We describe an alternative where the exposed plate is removed, sterilised by autoclaving and re-implanted, in one operation.Methods: Patients with exposed titanium cranioplasties who underwent single-stage revisions were identified over a 30-month period. All patients received antibiotics post-procedure and were followed up.Results: Between June 2015 and December 2017 four patients had five single-stage revision cranioplasties with intraoperative autoclave sterilisation (SSRC). The mean time from initial procedure to revision was 5.6years. The mean time from plate exposure to surgery was 7 days. Plate exposure recurred in 60% (3/5) of cases post-SSRC. Two of these had the plate removed. The other had a second SSRC. On average recurrent plate exposure developed 17 months after SSRC. The 2 cases who had the plate removed remained complication-free to last follow up at 25 and 52 months after SSRC.Conclusions: Single procedure revision cranioplasty with intra-operative autoclave following titanium plate exposure may be considered as an option in patients with plate exposure who do not have other evidence on infection but we found recurrent plate exposure occurred in 50%.

Titanium Three-Dimensional Printed Cranioplasty for Fronto-Nasal Bone Defect.

To analyze the characteristics and outcome of patients who underwent the insertion of a 3-dimensional (3D) printed titanium (Materialise) cranioplasty. Surgical and clinical data of patients who underwent 3D printed titanium cranioplasty insertion at our institution were retrospectively reviewed. A retrospective search identified 19 cases of titanium cranioplasty insertion between 2012 and 2018. 12 patients were male (63.2%) and mean age at cranioplasty was 47.4 ± 11.3 years. 9 patients had the cranioplasty inserted during the very same procedure of the craniectomy and 10 at a separate surgical stage from the craniectomy. Median delay from the craniectomy until the prosthesis insertion was 0.6 years, interquartile range (IQR) [0.4, 0.9]. Side of cranioplasty insertion was right in 6 cases and in the midline frontal in 9. Median surface of the implant was 68.1 cm, IQR [53, 125.4]. Median follow-up since the cranioplasty insertion was 1.2 year, IQR [0.4, 2.1]. At data collection, 1 patient was lost to follow-up, 1 had its cranioplasty taken out but, none was reported dead. 6 patients (31.6%) experienced early post-operative complications following the cranioplasty insertion. One patient had its cranioplasty removed 2.5 years after the insertion for tumoral recurrence (hemagiopericytoma) and skin necrosis leading to the plate exposure. 3D printed titanium cranioplasty are useful for complex craniofacial reconstruction regardless the etiology of the skull defect. This device is not associated with a higher rate of complication.

Association between metal hypersensitivity and implant failure in patients who underwent titanium cranioplasty.

Digitally designed titanium plates are commonly used for the reconstruction of craniofacial defects, although implant exposure (referred to as failure) is one of the major complications. Metal hypersensitivities have been suggested as possible causes of implant failure of orthopedic, intravascular, gynecological, and dental devices, yet there has been no consensus on the requirement for allergy screening before cranioplasty. In this study, the authors prospectively investigated the prevalence of metal hypersensitivity in patients for whom cranioplasty is planned and assess its relationship with titanium implant failure (exposure). Based on records from 207 included patients, 39.61% of patients showed hypersensitivity to at least one kind of metal. Approximately one-quarter (25.12%) of patients had multiple metal allergies. Co, Cd, and Zn were the 3 most frequently identified metal hypersensitivities. No allergy to titanium was detected in this study. The overall incidence of cranioplasty implant failure was 5.31% (11 of 207). Patients showing hypersensitivities to more than 3 kinds of metal had higher risks of titanium plate exposure. Based on their findings, the authors suggest that routine allergy screening be performed before titanium plate cranioplasty. For patients with hypersensitivities to more than 3 metals, alternative materials, such as polyetheretherketone, should be considered for cranioplasty.

Complications in Staged Late Titanium Cranioplasty and Ventriculoperitoneal Shunting for Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury

Hydrocephalus is a common complication following decompressive craniectomy. Ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) is required for some patients before receiving a cranioplasty (CP). The presence of a VPS is regarded as a risk factor for overall CP complications. A retrospective survey was conducted on 176 patients with traumatic brain injury who underwent late (>3 months) titanium CP (Ti-CP) in our hospital from April 2014 to July 2018. Thirteen patients (7.4%) had preoperative VPS. Propensity score matching was performed for these 13 patients with a ratio of 1:5. A total of 78 patients were selected. Preoperative clinical parameters and postoperative complications were analyzed. The period of postoperative follow-up ranged from 3 to 63 months (mean 21.3 ± 17.0 months). The overall complication rate was greater in the VPS group (P= 0.010). These patients were more likely to develop a sunken skin flap (P < 0.001). The rate of postoperative cerebral hemorrhage was greater in the VPS group. Logistic analysis showed that preoperative VPS was an independent risk factor for postoperative extradural collection (odds ratio 17.714, P < 0.001). VPS was not related to postoperative infection and seizure. Postoperative drainage duration longer than 2.5 days significantly increased the risk of postoperative infection (odds ratio 7.715, P= 0.023). The presence of a VPS significantly increased the risk of extradural collection in patients with traumatic brain injury who underwent late Ti-CP. It also was related to postoperative hemorrhage. The sunken skin flap in patients with VPS increased surgical difficulty and the likelihood of extradural accumulation. Preoperative VPS was not related to postoperative infection and seizure in Ti-CP.

Excessive Hemostasis on the Scalp Increases Superficial Surgical Site Infection Rate in Cranioplasty

Cranioplasty is a routine procedure, but it carries a significantly higher complication rate over standard clean cranial surgery. Surgical site infection is the most common but severe complication. Risk factors for surgical site infection are still debated. A retrospective survey of 155 patients (≥16 years old) who exclusively underwent customized titanium cranioplasty from April 2014 to January 2017 was performed. Preoperative clinical parameters, surgeon's hemostasis technique, temporalis dissection, operative time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative catheter duration and drainage, postoperative hemorrhage and extradural fluid collection (EDFC), and prophylactic antibiotics were recorded and compared between patients with superficial surgical site infection (sSSI) and patients with non-sSSI. Overall sSSI rate was 10.3%. Binary logistic analysis showed excessive hemostasis on scalp (odds ratio= 10.302, P= 0.000), presence of postoperative EDFC (odds ratio= 12.740, P= 0.003), and postoperative drainage >277 mL (odds ratio= 10.302, P= 0.000) were independent risk factors for sSSI. Patients who received excessive hemostasis had a longer operative time (P= 0.000). A flaccid cranial defect was a protective factor for postoperative EDFC (odds ratio= 0.130, P= 0.044), whereas presence of ventriculoperitoneal shunt could induce EDFC formation (odds ratio= 9.598, P= 0.020). Postoperative subgaleal drainage was correlated to the size of cranial defect (standardized β= 0.347, P= 0.000). Timing of cranioplasty and use of prophylactic antibiotics were not related to sSSI. Surgeons should lower the hemostasis standard for cranioplasty, as this would promote wound healing and reduce operative time, which subsequently decreases SSI rate.

Penetrating Injury Due to Bicycle Brake Handle Causing Middle Cerebral Artery Infarct

AbstractAn 8-year-old boy was brought to the emergency room with history of fall from a bicycle he was riding. On examination, he had a swelling in the left orbit with a small laceration under the medial aspect of the left eyebrow. The Glasgow coma scale was E2M5V2. An emergency computed tomographic (CT) scan showed infarct causing mass effect in the territory of the left middle cerebral artery. CT angiogram showed that a branch of the middle cerebral artery was occluded at the end of track traversed by the bicycle brake handle. The patient underwent decompressive craniectomy. Initial methylmethacrylate cranioplasty had to be removed due to infection. Later, the patient underwent titanium cranioplasty. At last follow-up, he was going to school. Hemiparesis persisted. Children are vulnerable to penetrating injury by the relatively sharp brake handle when they fall from an adult bicycle. Previous reports include fatal injury by similar mechanism. In this case, it caused injury to the middle cerebral artery without causing bleed. Bicycle manufacturers could be advised to make the vehicle safer for children by twisting the end of the brake handle.

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.

The effect of manufacturing techniques on custom-made titanium cranioplasty plates: A pilot study

ObjectiveThis study investigated the effect of varying techniques on the surface characteristics of pressed titanium cranioplasty plates, commonly manufactured in laboratory practice. The aim was to highlight the variety of techniques currently used, assess these methods of manufacture and produce manufacturing recommendations. MethodsA questionnaire identified manufacturing methods commonly used by maxillofacial prosthetists. The plate surfaces were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectrometry. The surface differences and titanium compositions were statistically analysed. ResultsBead blasting with aluminium oxide (Al2O3) showed a significant decrease (p < 0.001) in titanium surface composition, replaced by a large aluminium content. Trimming tool choice had a significant impact (p = 0.001) on surface contamination by smoothing wheel material deposition; however passivation and anodising techniques had no significant effect (p = 0.293 and p = 0.257, respectively) on the surface composition or roughness of titanium samples. ConclusionsA large range of manufacturing techniques of titanium cranioplasty plates was confirmed and significant differences were found. Amongst other recommendations, bead blasting with Al2O3 is not recommended for commercially pure titanium implant surface finishing due to aluminium contamination. The recommendations outlined will minimise manufacturing time, reduce risk of complication (thus costs) and unify methods to enable a safe, reliable treatment.

Giant adenoid basal cell carcinoma of the scalp with intracranial involvement—successful management strategies for a rare entity

Adenoid basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a rare but aggressive histologic subtype of BCC. The aim of this report is to present our multidisciplinary management strategy and a literature review on this seldom reported entity. A 72-year-old female with fungating giant BCC of the scalp, ear, and bone underwent preoperative biopsy revealing adenoid histology with infiltrating and nodular components. The patient underwent radical resection of the biparietal and occipital scalp, auriculectomy and craniectomy with dural resection. Immediate reconstruction of the intracranial and bony defect was performed with dural substitute and a titanium cranioplasty. The soft tissue defect was reconstructed with a latissimus dorsi free flap and split thickness skin graft using the right superficial temporal artery and vein as recipient vessels. Adjuvant external beam radiation was initiated postoperatively. Nearly 2 years postoperatively, she presented mesh exposure necessitating secondary reconstruction with debridement, hardware removal, and an anterolateral thigh (ALT) free flap, followed by flap debulking. Four years following initial presentation, she remains disease-free. To our knowledge, this is the only reported case of a giant, locally invasive scalp BCC with the adenoid subtype treated with composite resection and single stage reconstruction. Using an aggressive multimodal management paradigm, treatment and surveillance of the rarely reported, giant, locally invasive scalp BCC with adenoid subtype can result in a durable disease-free response and a functional, esthetic reconstruction. Evidence-based medicine level.

Two-Stage Cranioplasty: Tissue Expansion Directly over the Craniectomy Defect Prior to Cranioplasty.

Performing a skull reconstruction for a long-term existing large cranium defect usually needs either skin enhancement or skin flaps and cranioplasty. This procedure can be accompanied with aesthetic and functional complications. The presented case describes a 27-year-old man in need of a cranial reconstruction following decompressive craniectomy as treatment for severe traumatic brain injury. Autologous cranioplasty after decompressive craniectomy failed due to bone flap infection. Because of cognitive behavioral problems, a protective helmet needed to be worn in awaiting cranioplasty. The final titanium cranioplasty was placed subsequent to scalp expansion. The expansion was realized by placing a temporary and custom-made polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) plate over the defect with a tissue expander on top of it, using the existing scar and skull defect. Our reported technique avoids additional skin flap creation and accompanied complications such as additional scalp and bone damage. In cognitive damaged patients who need to wear a helmet constantly, this simple method provides, concurrently, protection of the brain and tissue expansion. We demonstrate a successful novel technical manner to provide scalp enhancement by positioning a temporary PMMA graft over the skull defect and placing the tissue expander on top of it.

Calvarial aneurysmal bone cyst associated with fibrous dysplasia: Case report and literature review

Abstract Aneurysmal bone cysts are benign, expansile bone lesions primary or secondary to other pathology. The majority are seen in long bones and the spine, rarely occurring within the cranial vault. Here we describe the case of a 17-year-old gentleman with McCune-Albright syndrome who developed a right parietal aneurysmal bone cyst in the setting of fibrous dysplasia. The patient was treated with lesion excision and in situ cranioplasty using methyl methacrylate and molded titanium mesh, ultimately rendering excellent cosmetic outcome. Our case report highlights the efficacy of in situ titanium cranioplasties in contouring to the native skull and enabling optimization of cosmesis, specifically through the use of titanium mesh plates with the bone flap as a template.

Cranioplasty of Large Cranial Defects With Porous Polyethylene Implants.

Reconstruction of cranial defects due to trauma or other causes has been carried out since ages with a wide variety of materials. The aim of reconstruction was mainly to restore cosmesis and protect the brain from further injury. However, recent studies have shown that cranioplasty not only improves the cerebral blood flow but also leads to improvement of cognitive functions. The materials used include autologous bone, allogeneic bone, xenografts, and alloplasts. The search for an ideal material continues. The authors present their experience with cranioplasty using prefabricated porous polyethylene implants. Patients requiring cranioplasty for reconstruction of large sized (more than 15 cm in any 1 dimension) cranial defects were selected. Three patients were men and 2 were women. The age group of the patient ranged from 18 to 58 years. Preformed Biopore Hemisphere was used in every patient for cranial reconstruction. No complications were seen in our patients. One patient who had undergone titanium cranioplasty previously showed remarkable improvement in cognitive functions. Porous polyethylene prefabricated implants are a good restorative material for reconstruction of large cranial defects.

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.

A randomized controlled trial comparing autologous cranioplasty with custom-made titanium cranioplasty.

OBJECTIVE Autologous bone is usually used to reconstruct skull defects following decompressive surgery. However, it is associated with a high failure rate due to infection and resorption. The aim of this study was to see whether it would be cost-effective to use titanium as a primary reconstructive material. METHODS Sixty-four patients were enrolled and randomized to receive either their own bone or a primary titanium cranioplasty. All surgical procedures were performed by the senior surgeon. Primary and secondary outcome measures were assessed at 1 year after cranioplasty. RESULTS There were no primary infections in either arm of the trial. There was one secondary infection of a titanium cranioplasty that had replaced a resorbed autologous cranioplasty. In the titanium group, no patient was considered to have partial or complete cranioplasty failure at 12 months of follow-up (p = 0.002) and none needed revision (p = 0.053). There were 2 deaths unrelated to the cranioplasty, one in each arm of the trial. Among the 31 patients who had an autologous cranioplasty, 7 patients (22%) had complete resorption of the autologous bone such that it was deemed a complete failure. Partial or complete autologous bone resorption appeared to be more common among young patients than older patients (32 vs 45 years old, p = 0.013). The total cumulative cost between the 2 groups was not significantly different (mean difference A$3281, 95% CI $-9869 to $3308; p = 0.327). CONCLUSIONS Primary titanium cranioplasty should be seriously considered for young patients who require reconstruction of the skull vault following decompressive craniectomy. Clinical trial registration no.: ACTRN12612000353897 ( anzctr.org.au ).

Calcium Phosphate Cement Cranioplasty Decreases the Rate of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak and Wound Infection Compared with Titanium Mesh Cranioplasty: Retrospective Study of 672 Patients

A variety of biomaterials have been developed for cranial reconstruction after craniectomy, including polyethylene titanium mesh and calcium phosphate cement. This study sought to compare complication rates of calcium phosphate cement and titanium mesh cranioplasty in patients undergoing retromastoid craniectomy. The authors retrospectively reviewed clinical data from 672 consecutive patients who underwent retromastoid craniectomy at a single institution for microvascular decompression or tumor resection from July 2009 to July 2014. Of these, 336 patients received calcium phosphate cement cranioplasty and 336 underwent (polyethylene) mesh cranioplasty. Charts were abstracted for occurrence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, wound infection and/or other wound complication, and the groups were compared. In the mesh cranioplasty group, there were 38 complications related to the surgical site, including 18 infections (5.4%), 20 patients (6%) with CSF leak or pseudomeningocele, and no (0%) other wound complications. In the cement cranioplasty cohort, 2 patients (0.6%) experienced wound infection, no patients (0%) had CSF leak, and 2 patients (0.6%) had other wound complications (including one sterile wound dehiscence and one reoperation for removal of excess cement). There was a statistically significant decrease in the rate of wound infection and CSF leak in the patients who underwent cement cranioplasty (P <0.001 for both). Calcium phosphate cement cranioplasty offers an alternative to titanium cranioplasty and may reduce the risk of surgical site complication. Randomized, prospective comparisons of cement cranioplasty to traditional techniques are warranted.

In Situ Cranioplasty Technique for Immediate Calvarial Reconstruction to Optimize Cosmesis

One of the goals of calvarial reconstruction after craniectomy is optimization of cosmesis. A simple technique for intraoperative generation of an implant based on the patient's native skull contour for immediate skull reconstruction after craniectomy is described. In this technique, a titanium mesh is molded to the contour of the skull in situ and temporarily secured to the calvarium before the craniectomy. After the definitive portion of the procedure, the implant is resecured using the predrilled holes in the skull. In situ titanium cranioplasties are easily contoured to the patient's native skull before, and resecured after, craniectomy. Postoperative cosmesis is excellent. In selected cases, this technique for in situ cranioplasty before craniectomy generates an implant that mimics the patient's calvarium and results in excellent cosmetic outcomes.

Customized Titanium Mesh for Repairing Cranial Defects: A Method With Comprehensive Evaluation.

Titanium cranioplasty is one of the well-established and widely used techniques for repairing cranial defects. In this paper, we present an improved way to design and create titanium meshes with more evaluation process. Computed tomography scan data of patients were used to create three-dimensional virtual models. Implants were designed with NX ImageWare 13.2 (Siemens PLM Software, Plano, TX). Final titanium meshes were assessed by Geomagic Studio 12 (Geomagic, Inc., Morrisville, NC) and NX ImageWare 13.2.Titanium meshes were designed and applied to cranioplasty surgery on 8 patients. Postoperative results were evaluated by computed tomography scanning and further analyzed with rainbow difference tomography. All patients were satisfied with the outcome. With this method, surgeons, engineers, and patients work together to evaluate and edit implant design. Our method provides better communication and comprehensive evaluation, which result in a satisfying outcome.