[History of the craniotomy].

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Surgical Technique Evolution

Background:

• Craniotomy is a neurosurgical procedure creating cranial access for intracranial interventions.
• The technique has evolved significantly since its inception in the late 19th century.

Observation:

• The earliest wide cranial approach, introduced in 1889, was termed 'temporary cranial resection'.
• This initial procedure is comparable to modern 'osteoplastic craniotomy with pedicle bone flap'.

Findings:

• The historical development has led to the widely adopted 'osteoplastic craniotomy with free bone flap' technique.
• This review focuses on the technical progression of craniotomy procedures.

Implications:

• Understanding the historical technical advancements provides context for current neurosurgical practices.
• The evolution highlights improvements in cranial access and intracranial surgery.