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Cranioplasty for patients developing large cranial defects combined with post-traumatic hydrocephalus after head trauma

Cranioplasty for patients developing large cranial defects combined with post-traumatic hydrocephalus after head trauma

Authors :
R. Y. Zhan
Gu Li
Fang Shen
Xiaofeng Yang
W. M. Fu
Liang Wen
Source :
Brain Injury. 22:333-337
Publication Year :
2008
Publisher :
Informa UK Limited, 2008.

Abstract

Large cranial defects combined with hydrocephalus after decompressive craniectomy are a common, harsh reality among patients with head trauma. Typically, a shunt is first used to relieve the hydrocephalus. However, subsequently the patients may develop a severe sinking scalp flap over the skull defect before cranioplasty, which would make the procedure difficult.This problem was overcome by temporarily adjusting the shunt pressure using a programmable ventriculoperitoneal shunt tube, which allowed expansion of the depressed scalp flap and facilitated the subsequent cranioplasty. This study describes two patients who were treated for this problem after severe head trauma.When performing a titanium mesh cranioplasty after a shunt, this new method facilitated the separation of the scalp from the underlying muscle or dura and obliterated the dead space between the titanium mesh and the underlying tissue. Both patients had satisfactory outcomes without complications.This method is easy and safe and it facilitates the cranioplasty, reducing the potential complications, including intracranial haematoma, effusions and infection, and thereby improving the patient outcome.

Details

ISSN :
1362301X and 02699052
Volume :
22
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Brain Injury
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....626e463e64546bdca45ca6ab311b6d1e
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1080/02699050801958353