The Comparison of Autologous Bone, Methyl-Methacrylate, Porous Polyethylene, and Titanium Mesh in Cranioplasty.

AIM

To discuss four different materials that are frequently used in cranioplasty, and to reveal their advantages and disadvantages.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 85 of our cranioplasty surgeries between 2016 and 2019. Reconstruction surgeries were excluded from our study due to craniofacial trauma.

RESULTS

Of the materials used in cranioplasty, 33 are autologous bone, 32 are methyl-methacrylate, 12 are porous polyethylene, and 8 are titanium mesh. Complications developed in 16 patients. Of these, 10 are infection, 3 are flap collapse, 2 are wound healing disorders, and 1 is reactive effusion complications due to the used material. The highest complication rate was 21.9% in cranioplasty with methyl-methacrylate. No major complications were observed in cranioplasty with titanium mesh.

CONCLUSION

Cranioplasty, which are among the surgeries with high complications in neurosurgery, maintain their importance today. As technology is developed and cost problems are resolved, cranioplasty takes its place among the safer and standard neurosurgical operations.