Use of a rivet-like titanium clamp closure system to replace an external frontal bone flap after transfrontal...

A 10-year-old spayed female dog was referred for surgical removal of a brain tumor that had been identified following an acute onset of seizure activity 2 weeks earlier. A computed tomographic evaluation involving contrast agent revealed the presence of a contrast-enhanced mass within the left olfactory lobe of the brain. After removal of the mass via a transfrontal craniotomy, the overlying frontal bone flap was replaced and secured by use of a biologically inert rivet-like titanium clamp closure system and 3 titanium alloy craniotomy line clamps. On reevaluation 4 weeks after tumor removal, the dog was free of seizure activity and had no proprioceptive deficits; according to the owner, the dog had marked improvement in its overall behavior and attitude. The titanium clamp closure system appears to offer an effective and rapid technique for the secure replacement of craniotomy bone flaps in dogs.