Modified application of three-point skull clamp for infants

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Pediatric Orthopedics
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Standard three-point skull clamps are used in neurosurgery.
• Infant skulls require specialized adaptations for safe fixation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To modify a standard three-point skull clamp for safe application in infants.
• To describe a novel method for preventing intracranial pin penetration in pediatric patients.

Main Methods:

• A standard three-point skull clamp was adapted using rubber plugs from antibiotic bottles.
• Rubber plugs were pierced by skull pins to prevent over-insertion.
• The modified clamp was utilized for head fixation in infants undergoing surgical procedures.

Main Results:

• The modified clamp successfully prevented intracranial penetration of fixation pins in all cases.
• The rubber plugs provided additional head support.
• Four pediatric patients were successfully treated using this modified fixation technique in a prone position.

Conclusions:

• This modified three-point skull clamp offers a safe and effective solution for infant head fixation.
• The use of readily available materials like rubber plugs presents a cost-effective adaptation for pediatric neurosurgery.
• The technique facilitates prone positioning for surgical interventions in infants.