Cranioplasty for traumatic deformities of the frontoorbital area

Cranioplasties of the frontoorbital area pose a major challenge to the surgeon because of the proximity to the globe, the sinuses, and the eyebrows and eyelids. The choice of material for reconstruction includes autogenous and alloplastic materials. A modification of the fixation technique of split rib graft to avoid depression deformities at the periphery of the defect is described. Sixteen patients were reconstructed with different treatment modalities, including the use of alloplastic materials or autogenous bone or a combination of both. The results are reported as are the complications. Limitations encountered with these difficult reconstructions are discussed.