Long-term results following titanium cranioplasty of large skull defects

Abstract

Object 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. Methods 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. Results None of the implants had to be removed. Of all patients, 68% declared their outcomes as excellent, 24% as good, 0.8...