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Customizable rigid head fixation for infants: technical note
Suhas Udayakumaran1, Chiazor U Onyia2
1Division of Paediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Kochi, Kerala, 682 041, India. dr.suhas@gmail.com.
Insights
A novel Plaster of Paris (POP) head band technique provides safe and rigid head fixation for infants undergoing neurosurgery. This method overcomes risks associated with traditional pins, ensuring stable positioning for critical procedures.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Pediatric Surgery
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Rigid head fixation is crucial for cranial surgeries, but poses significant risks in infants.
- Existing pediatric pins are often unsafe for direct application on infant heads.
- Certain neurosurgical procedures necessitate reliable head stabilization in young patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a simple and safe technique for achieving rigid head fixation in infants undergoing neurosurgery.
- To address the challenges and risks associated with current infant head fixation methods.
Main Methods:
- A novel technique utilizing a Plaster of Paris (POP) head band was developed.
- The fixation pins of the neurosurgical frame are applied directly onto the POP band.
- This method creates a secure and stable interface for head immobilization.
Main Results:
- The Plaster of Paris (POP) head band technique was successfully implemented in infant neurosurgical procedures.
- No complications were reported during the use of this fixation method.
- The technique effectively provided the required rigid head fixation.
Conclusions:
- The described Plaster of Paris (POP) head band technique offers a safe and effective solution for infant head fixation in neurosurgery.
- This method mitigates the risks associated with direct pin application.
- It provides a reliable alternative for achieving stable head positioning in pediatric neurosurgical interventions.
Introduction:
The need and advantages of rigid fixation of the head in cranial surgeries are well documented (Berryhill et al., Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 121:269-273, 1999). Head fixation for neurosurgical procedures in infants and in early years has been a challenge and is fraught with risk. Despite the fact that pediatric pins are designed, rigid head fixation involving direct application of pins to the head of infants and slightly older children is still generally not safe (Agrawal and Steinbok, Childs Nerv Syst 22:1473-1474, 2006). Yet, there are some surgeries in which some form of rigid fixation is required (Agrawal and Steinbok, Childs Nerv Syst 22:1473-1474, 2006). We describe a simple technique to achieve rigid fixation of the head in infants for neurosurgical procedures.
Technical Note:
This involves applying a head band made of Plaster of Paris (POP) around the head and then applying the fixation pins of the fixation frame directly on to the POP.
Conclusion:
We have used this technique of head fixation successfully for infants with no complications.
