The utility of calcium phosphate cement in cranioplasty following retromastoid craniectomy for cranial neuralgias. (December 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Frederickson, Andrew M.; Sekula, Raymond F.
• Is Part Of: British journal of neurosurgery. Volume 27:Number 6(2013:Dec.)
• Page Start: 808
• Page End: 811
• Publication Date: 2013-12
• Subjects: Nervous system -- Surgery -- Periodicals; 617.48
• DOI: 10.3109/02688697.2013.776670
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0268-8697

Abstract

<abstract> <title>Abstract</title> <p> <italic>Background</italic>. Following retromastoid craniectomy for microvascular decompression of the fifth or seventh cranial nerve, the preferred method and value of cranioplasty remains disputed. <italic>Methods</italic>. In this study, we report the functional outcome of calcium phosphate cranioplasty following first-time microvascular decompression in 79 consecutive patients who underwent operations over a one-year period. <italic>Results</italic>. No patient experienced a deep infection, cerebrospinal fluid leak or undue incisional pain at long-term follow-up. Additionally, all patients stated that they were satisfied with the cosmetic outcome. <italic>Discussion</italic>. Although this technique is unlikely to affect the rates of infection and postoperative pain, we believe that the low rate of CSF leak provides a unique advantage over other currently used methods of closing retromastoid craniectomies.</p> </abstract>