[Experiences with alloplasty repair of defects of the skull calotte with modern artificial materials].

There are controversial views on alloplastic repair of skull cap defects. This has prompted the authors to report their own experience from indirect cranioalloplasty, using polymethylmethacrylates (PMMA). Seventy-two implantations were performed on patients, within 13 years, most of them for traumatic defects. Immediate repair was carried out in four cases, following neurosurgical interventions. Two implants had to be removed for cosmetic reasons and four for infections. Hence, the rate of complications amounted to six per cent. The brain-dura region was improved, accompanied by positive effects on seizure problems. Cosmetic results were good to very good in 54 patients. Ten patients could move from part-time to full-time employment, following plastic repair. Benefits and setbacks of the method are discussed.