Osteogaleal flaps in pediatric cranioplasty

Abstract

Reconstruction of cranial defects larger than 2 to 3 cm in diameter and frontal defects of any size is indicated for mechanical protection and cosmetic reasons. The authors used osteogaleal flaps for cranioplasty in 2 pediatric patients with the aim of decreasing infection risk and maximizing bone healing. In the first patient, bone was harvested from the diploë. Children's cranial bones are thin, and in the second patient the authors used full-thickness grafts of adjacent bone, splitting this into three pieces to cover the recipient and donor sites. The postoperative period was uneventful for both children. Scintigraphic studies performed the first week after surgery revealed uptake in the flaps. Computed tomography demonstrated rapid bone healing with good contouring. The scintigraphic findings and rapid bone healing suggest that the bone component of the osteogaleal flap nourishes the graft site with blood from the galea and the periosteum. These flaps are an ideal choice for reconstruction of cranial defects because of their membranous origin, ease of harvest, applicability to any part of the calvarium, and reliable vascularity.