Split calvarial graft to repair the large frontal bone defect

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
• Trauma Surgery

Background:

• Cranioplasty aims to restore skull defects, with autogenous bone being the preferred material.
• Alloplastic materials are alternatives when autogenous bone is unavailable.
• Complications like cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhoea and cosmetic deformities can arise after initial trauma management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a case of successful cranioplasty using an autogenous local frontal bone split calvarial graft.
• To demonstrate the efficacy of this technique in addressing both functional (CSF leak) and aesthetic issues.

Main Methods:

• A 26-year-old male with a compound depressed frontal bone and anterior cranial fossa fracture was treated.
• Initial management involved removal of fractured bone fragments.
• The defect was reconstructed using an autogenous local frontal bone split calvarial graft.

Main Results:

• The reconstruction successfully addressed the cosmetic deformity of the forehead.
• The technique effectively resolved the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhoea.

Conclusions:

• Autogenous local frontal bone split calvarial grafts are a viable and effective option for cranioplasty.
• This method can successfully manage complex cranial defects, including CSF leaks and aesthetic concerns.