The Materials Utilized in Cranial Reconstruction: Past, Current, and Future

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Biomaterials Science
• Medical Device Engineering

Background:

• Cranioplasty (CP) procedures exhibit higher complication rates than other neurosurgical interventions.
• The choice of graft material in CP may influence complication rates, but existing literature presents inconsistent findings.
• There is a critical need for identifying and developing improved graft materials for cranial reconstruction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and compare indications, risks, complications, and patient outcomes associated with various graft materials used in cranioplasty.
• To synthesize current evidence on the effectiveness and safety of different materials for cranial defect repair.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was performed on EBSCOhost using keywords related to craniectomy, cranioplasty, and materials.
• The review included English-language articles published from 2005 to the present, resulting in the analysis of 69 selected studies.
• Due to significant heterogeneity in study designs and data collection, a meta-analysis was not feasible.

Main Results:

• Current data indicate inconsistent outcomes across various graft materials used for cranial reconstruction.
• Advances in computer-aided design have led to patient-specific implants, yet the optimal graft material remains undetermined.
• A clear consensus on the superiority of any single graft material for cranioplasty is lacking.

Conclusions:

• The selection of an optimal graft material for cranioplasty is challenging due to inconsistent evidence.
• Further research is essential to evaluate current and emerging materials, addressing limitations and guiding future development.
• Understanding the performance of different implants is crucial for improving cranioplasty outcomes and patient safety.