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Extradural dead space following cranial bone advancement
A Rachmiel1, Z Potparic, I T Jackson
1Institute for Craniofacial and Reconstructive Surgery, Providence Hospital, Southfield, MI 48075.
Annals of Plastic Surgery
|February 1, 1994
Summary
The brain cannot eliminate surgically created extradural dead space. This persistent space, filled with fluid and tissue, may pose a risk for bacterial invasion.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Anatomy
- Pathology
Background:
- Extradural dead space can form after intracranial procedures.
- The duration and resolution of this space are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the resolution of surgically created extradural dead space.
- To determine the long-term outcome of this space in an animal model.
Main Methods:
- Surgically created extradural dead space in 9 adult rabbits.
- Three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) and histological analysis.
- No connection to paranasal sinuses was established.
Main Results:
- Brain volume decreased initially, then stabilized.
- Extradural volume increased post-surgery, then gradually decreased.
- The brain did not eliminate the dead space; an osseous cavity with persistent fluid formed.
Conclusions:
- Surgically created extradural dead space does not resolve naturally.
- A fluid-filled osseous cavity persists long-term.
- This space could be a nidus for infection if connected to the nasopharynx.