The Cranioplasty Procedure

A cranioplasty is performed in a hospital setting with the patient under general anesthetic. A portion of the scalp will be shaved and a topical cleanser is applied to prevent infection. The surgeon then makes an incision in the skin to access the skull bones. If the existing bone is intact and undamaged, the surgeon can reshape and reposition it and use special discs as well as titanium plates and screws to secure it in place.

It is generally considered optimal to use the patient’s original bone if it remains functional. However, in cases where the bone has been badly damaged or removed, there are several options available. Prior to the surgery, it will be determined exactly what substance will be used to replace the bone. Depending on a number of factors, the surgeon may choose to graft a piece of bone that has been removed from the patient’s rib, skull or pelvis; use a bone substitute made from a synthetic material; or employ an acrylic insert that can be fitted into the defective area. All of these are attached to the nearby bones with titanium plates and screws.

Once the bone or grafting material has been properly affixed, the surgeon will close the scalp incision using either sutures or surgical staples.

Treatments

The Cranioplasty Procedure
A cranioplasty is performed in a hospital setting with the patient under general anesthetic. A portion of the scalp will be shaved and a topical cleanser is applied to prevent infection. The surgeon then makes an incision in the skin to access the skull bones. If the existing bone is intact and undamaged, the surgeon can reshape and reposition it and use special discs as well as titanium plates and screws to secure it in place. It is generally considered optimal to use the patient’s original bone if it remains functional. However, in cases where the bone has been badly damaged or removed, there are several options available. Prior to the surgery, it will be determined exactly what substance will be used to replace the bone. Depending on a number of factors, the surgeon may choose to graft a piece of bone that has been removed from the patient’s rib, skull or pelvis; use a bone substitute made from a synthetic material; or employ an acrylic insert that can be fitted into the defective area. All of these are attached to the nearby bones with titanium plates and screws. Once the bone or grafting material has been properly affixed, the surgeon will close the scalp incision using either sutures or surgical staples. View

The Cranioplasty Procedure

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What Happens During A Cranioplasty
In the operating room, you are given a general anesthetic. Once you are asleep, the team positions you so the surgeons have optimal access to the bone defect. The area of the incision is then shaved and prepared with antiseptic, and you are protected by drapes that leave only the surgical area exposed. You will get a local anesthetic, then the surgeon will carefully cut the skin of your scalp and gently separate it into layers, thereby protecting the dura, which covers the brain. The team cleans the edges of surrounding bone and prepares the surface so the bone or implant can be positioned properly in the defect, after which it is secured to the cranial bones with screws, plates or both. With the bone or implant in place, bleeding is controlled, the team moves the scalp back to its original position and closes the incision with nylon suture. You may also have a small suction drain left in place to help remove any excess fluid. The drain will be removed in a few days. View

What Happens During A Cranioplasty

In the operating room, you are given a general anesthetic. Once you are asleep, the team positions you so the surgeons have optimal access to the bone defect. The area of the incision is then shaved and prepared with antiseptic, and you are protected by drapes that leave only the surgical area exposed.

You will get a local anesthetic, then the surgeon will carefully cut the skin of your scalp and gently separate it into layers, thereby protecting the dura, which covers the brain. The team cleans the edges of surrounding bone and prepares the surface so the bone or implant can be positioned properly in the defect, after which it is secured to the cranial bones with screws, plates or both.

With the bone or implant in place, bleeding is controlled, the team moves the scalp back to its original position and closes the incision with nylon suture. You may also have a small suction drain left in place to help remove any excess fluid. The drain will be removed in a few days.

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