Cranioplasty: Techniques and outcomes at a tertiary level health care centre

JIMISH B. DESAI; KRISHAN KUMAR YADAV; MANOHARAN DWARK SUDHAN

Volume : VIII, Issue : XII, December - 2019

Cranioplasty: Techniques and outcomes at a tertiary level health care centre

Jimish B. Desai, Krishan Kumar Yadav, Manoharan Dwark Sudhan

Abstract :

Cranioplasty is performed for a blend of medical and aesthetic reasons. Cranioplasty is known to improve neurological outcomes in patients with craniectomy. Objective: We aimed to investigate the outcome of various materials used for cranioplasty at our centre through a retrospective review of patient�s record charts, radiographs and clinical outcomes. Complications following cranioplasty, which are often under–reported was a major focus of the intended study. Methods: From September 2015 to Feuary 2018, a total of 58 patients underwent cranioplasty at our centre using various natural and synthetic materials. The materials used included autologous bone, Polymethyl metharcrylate (PMMA) based implants, Hydroxyapatite, Titanium based implants faicated using Computer aided designing and Computer aided milling (CADCAM). Results: The overall postoperative complication rate was 32% (19/58) of which 10 patients (17.2%) had to undergo reoperation after cranioplasty. Wound related complications and craniofacial asymmetry were the commonest complications. Conclusion: Autologous bone is a near perfect material for cranioplasty and every effort should be made to follow the principle of �replace like with like�. In situations, where the autologous bone could not be preserved or harvested, PMMA has been used with a great degree of success. 3D printing options for manufacturing of implants and biomdels appears to be an emerging trend for cranioplasty.