Interdigitated craniotomy: a simple technique to fix a bone flap with only a single plate.

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Surgical Techniques
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Pterional craniotomy fixation plates can cause postoperative radiological artifacts.
• Existing methods may lead to cosmetic disfigurement in hairless scalp areas.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a novel technique for cranial bone flap fixation in pterional craniotomy.
• To reduce postoperative radiological artifacts and improve cosmetic results using a single plate placed under the temporalis muscle.

Main Methods:

• A technique involving a single fixation plate placed underneath the temporalis muscle in a haired area.
• The anterior bone flap is cut at alternate angles for interdigitation with the skull.
• This allows for secure fixation in a concealed, haired region.

Main Results:

• The described technique enables secure single-plate fixation of the cranial bone flap.
• Reduced artifacts on postoperative radiological images were observed.
• Excellent postoperative cosmetic results were achieved due to plate placement in a haired area.

Conclusions:

• This modified pterional craniotomy technique offers a superior alternative for bone flap fixation.
• It effectively addresses the limitations of traditional methods by minimizing imaging artifacts and enhancing aesthetics.