Porous polyethylene combined with split calvarial bone graft to cover complex calvarial defect

Various kinds of grafts, such as autogenous bone grafts and alloplastic materials, can be used for the reconstruction of calvarial defects. The selection of the optimum material for the repair of cranial defects is the greatest problem in the reconstruction of calvarial defects. For some complex calvarial defects, simple use of autogenous bone grafts or alloplastic materials makes functional and cosmetic reconstruction difficult to achieve. Therefore, the current study uses a new method to repair complex calvarial defects.

Eight patients with complex calvarial defects underwent cranioplasty with porous polyethylene combined with split calvarial bone graft. Follow-up visits were conducted for 6 to 72 months to monitor the patients.

Significant improvements in the contour of the skulls as well as in the aesthetic appearance of all the patients were observed. Moreover, no serious complications, such as infections, exposure, removal of the implants, and contour or implant abnormalities, were observed. Three cases displayed a transient extradural seroma collection, which was resolved through drainage and compression bandaging.

The results of this pilot study indicate that the combined use of porous polyethylene and split calvarial bone graft may be useful for cranial reconstruction in patients with complex cranial defects.