"Bridging the Breach": Cranioplasties Using Different Reconstruction Materials-An Institutional Experience

Cranioplasty is a time tested surgical procedure to restore the form and function of either congenital or acquired calvarial defects. Both autologous bone flaps and alloplastic substitutes have been surgically explored over time to achieve the pre-morbid contour and eliminate the existing and anticipated complications like the "Sinking flap Syndrome". Though autologous bone flap, if preserved, is generally considered the first choice for reconstruction, however its absence/large defect reconstruction calls for alternative options. The selection of the reconstructive material is governed by various patient factors and material-related issues. The current study is an institutional experience of calvarial reconstruction with different materials. Though the aim of the surgery is always maximum patient comfort and satisfaction, post-operative outcome may vary from case to case.

Patients with calvarial defects post decompressive craniectomy, referred to the Department of OMFS from the Department of Neurosurgery/Neurology at our tertiary care centre, were successfully managed for the same using autologous Bone flap, customized Titanium and PEEK patient specific implant (PSI). Post-op evaluation for aesthetics, ease of adjustment/workability, thermal conductivity and infection/exposure was done at 01 and 06 months.

Fifteen patients of cranial defects post decompressive craniectomy were taken up of calvarial reconstruction using autologous Bone flap (n = 5), Titanium (n = 5) and PEEK (n = 5) patient specific implant (PSI). Satisfactory restoration of cranial contour was seen in all cases immediately after surgery. One patient underwent flap necrosis in bone flap group, while thermal conductivity was reported in 2 out of 5 cases of titanium PSI. Ease of workability was relatively low in all cases of PEEK group while increased overall surgical duration was encountered in bone flap group owing to second surgical site in abdomen.

A variety of reconstruction materials may be used for cranial contouring depending on the defect and surgeon's experience, however the results may vary from case to case thus mandating tailor-made treatment for each patient.