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An easy and safe method to store and disinfect explanted skull bone
E Schültke1, J A Hampl, L Jatzwauk
1Department of Neurosurgery, Technical University of Dresden, Germany.
Acta Neurochirurgica
|July 7, 1999
Summary
Steam disinfection effectively sterilizes stored autologous skull flaps, ensuring biological safety for cranial defect reconstruction after decompression craniectomy. This method offers a reliable and cost-effective solution for neurosurgery.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Infectious Disease Control
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Decompression craniectomy is a vital neurosurgical procedure for managing severe cerebral edema.
- High survival rates necessitate effective methods for reconstructing the cranial vault defect.
- Autologous skull flaps are a common choice, but require safe storage and disinfection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the biological safety of stored autologous skull flaps for cranial defect reconstruction.
- To compare the efficacy of three disinfection methods against common bacterial contaminants.
Main Methods:
- Skull bone fragments were stored at -21°C and artificially contaminated with Serratia marcescens, Enterococcus faecium, and Staphylococcus aureus.
- Disinfection methods tested included 3% hydrogen peroxide immersion, boiling in saline (15 and 30 minutes), and steam disinfection (75°C for 20 minutes).
Main Results:
- Only steam disinfection at 75°C for 20 minutes completely eliminated all tested bacterial strains.
- Hydrogen peroxide immersion and boiling in saline were less effective in sterilizing the contaminated skull bone fragments.
Conclusions:
- Refrigeration combined with steam disinfection provides a reliable and biologically safe method for preparing autologous skull flaps for reimplantation.
- This technique is cost-effective and does not necessitate specialized bone bank infrastructure, making it accessible for widespread clinical use.