Is timing of cranioplasty following posttraumatic craniectomy related to neurological outcome?

BACKGROUND

With the use of decompressive craniectomy for traumatic brain injury (TBI) come a corresponding number of cranioplasties. TBI causes dynamic processes to commence or change during the period from injury to recovery; hence, the role of the timing of surgical intervention should be emphasized.

AIMS

We attempt to identify the relationship between the timing of cranioplasty and neurological outcomes following posttraumatic craniectomy.

METHODS

In this 3-year retrospective study, 105 patients undergoing decompressive craniectomies and subsequent cranioplasties for TBI were enrolled. We documented the patients' demographic information, including Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) at admission for trauma. The follow-up period was terminated by death or a minimum of 6 months after TBI. Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) at the end of follow-up was used as an outcome measure. Unfavorable outcome was defined as a GOS score of 1-3.

RESULTS

The 105 patients included 71 male and 34 female subjects. The mean age was 41.94 ± 19.73 years. Neurological assessment showed that admission GCS was 8.50 ± 3.15, on average. The mean time interval between cranioplasty and craniectomy was 78.84 ± 49.04 days (range, 13-245 days). Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that the association between the timing of cranioplasty and unfavorable outcomes was not statistically significant (odds ratio = 1.005, confidence interval 0.997-1.013; p = 0.195).

CONCLUSION

The timing of cranioplasty following posttraumatic craniectomy was not related to the neurological outcomes of TBI. Despite the limitations of the retrospective design, the analyses provide preliminary information to elucidate the question.