Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 14, 2026
Controlled Cortical Impact Model for Traumatic Brain Injury
Published on: August 5, 2014
Decompressive craniectomy for neurotrauma: the limitations of applying an outcome prediction model
Stephen Honeybul1, Kwok M Ho, Christopher R P Lind
1Department of Neurosurgery, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia. stephen.honeybul@health.wa.gov.au
Background:
There is currently much interest in the use of decompressive craniectomy for patients with severe head injury. A number of studies have demonstrated that not only can the technique lower intracranial pressure but can also improve outcome. Whilst many patients who would otherwise have died or had a poor outcome now go on to make a good recovery, there is little doubt that complications can have a very significant impact on long term outcome.
Methods:
By using the corticosteroid randomisation after significant head injury (CRASH) collaborators outcome prediction model, three patients were selected who had a similar outcome prediction. All three patients developed intracranial hypertension following trauma and had a decompressive craniectomy.
Results:
Despite having a similar outcome prediction only one patient made an uneventful recovery. The remaining two patients suffered significant complications.
Conclusions:
This report illustrates the potential clinical applications and limitations of an outcome prediction model and demonstrates the impact that complications can have on eventual outcome.
