This patient has now a skull made of metal used during cranioplasty !!🧠
Cranioplasty refers to surgical reconstruction of the skull. It is performed by filling the defective area with a range of materials, usually a bone piece from the patient or a synthetic material.
Titanium cranioplasty is the operative repair of a skull defect with an ergonomically manufactured plate to restore cosmesis, cranial function and reduce complications.
Titanium is a hardy material that can withstand heavy loading forces. Additionally titanium carries a lower risk of an immunological response than other metals, making it useful during surgeries involving bones.
Some patients present with skull traumatic defects (physical assault, motor vehicle accident, sporting injury) or with tumours or infections involving skull bones.
Such patients may need reconstruction of the skull by lifting the scalp and restoring the contour of the skull with the original skull piece or a custom contoured graft made from material that can be safely and effectively carried out with titanium (mesh or plate) or 3D printed implants, or a polymer “bone cement” compound.
With children younger than 3 years old, growing skull fractures and congenital anomalies are common causes. The aim of cranioplasty is not only a cosmetic issue; also, the repair of cranial defects gives relief to psychological drawbacks and increases the social performances. On the other hand, contraindications for cranioplasty are the presence of hydrocephalus, infection, and brain swelling.
The plate has now been screwed into the surrounding skull bone of the patient, and the scalp is then closed over this new strong, cosmetically sound area.
The titanium and other modern bone substitutes used in today’s cranioplasty operations are MRI-compatible and don’t set off airport metal detectors.
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