Prosthetic rehabilitation in neurosurgical cranioplasty

Abstract

The defects of the skull cause mechanical vulnerability of the brain, esthetic disfigurement, and transmission of vibrations and pulsation of the brain. Subsequent cranioplasty may be required to compensate for the defect and to alleviate various signs and symptoms. When long-term outcome of biomaterial use in pediatric cases is limited, alloplastic cranioplasty in adults are supported by several large case series. This case report narrates cranioplasty using titanium alloplastic implant material.

Keywords: Cranioplasty; prosthesis; reconstruction; titanium implants; trauma.

Figure 1

Preoperative photographs showing left cranial bone defect (frontal view)

Figure 2

Preoperative photographs (lateral view)

Figure 3

Computed tomography with skull defect

Figure 4

Impression of the defect

Figure 5

Retrieved cast

Figure 6

Wax pattern of the defect

Figure 7

Extracranial tryin of titanium plate

Figure 8

Neurosurgical procedure

Figure 9

Neurosurgical procedure showing titanium implant in position

Figure 10

Sutures placed

Figure 11

Postoperative view showing excellent adaptation and symmetry

Figure 12

Postoperative aerial view

Figure 13

Follow-up 8 months

Figure 14

Follow-up 8 months

Figure 15

Computed tomography scan after 10 months