Reduction cranioplasty

Reduction cranioplasty can greatly improve the quality of life for selected patients with severe macrocephaly and can significantly diminish some of the difficulties in the long-term chronic care of others. Because of differences in age, cranial morphology and surgical goals, the surgical plan must be tailored to the individual patient. Three techniques for reduction cranioplasty, with the advantages and disadvantages of each, are described. Four patients, representing the spectrum of severe macrocephaly and also the problems associated with reduction cranioplasty, are presented. Surgical indications, tactical considerations and risks are discussed.