Reconstruction of a large complex skull defect in a child: a case report and literature review

Childs Nerv Syst. 2007 Oct;23(10):1097-102. doi: 10.1007/s00381-007-0413-7. Epub 2007 Jul 14.

Abstract

Background: Major skull defects, especially in the anterior region, can present as a most disturbing deformity. Reconstructive cranioplasty can restore cerebral protection and improve craniofacial aesthetics. Complex and large skull defects in children often present reconstructive difficulties.

Materials and methods: In this paper, an unusual case of a very large post-traumatic defect (318 cm(2)) in a child managed by a multidisciplinary team is described. The literature is reviewed.

Conclusion: The management of a large complex skull defect in children is still controversial. Each case should be extensively debated in craniofacial units. In our case, bioceramics proved to be an effective and good alternative for final skull reconstruction.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bone Substitutes
  • Ceramics
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Patient Care Team
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures*
  • Prostheses and Implants
  • Skin Ulcer / etiology
  • Skin Ulcer / pathology
  • Skull Fracture, Depressed / complications
  • Skull Fracture, Depressed / pathology*
  • Skull Fracture, Depressed / surgery*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Bone Substitutes