Cranial Repair in Children: Techniques, Materials, and Peculiar Issues.

Cranial repair in children deserves particular attention since many issues are still controversial. Furthermore, literature data offer a confused picture of outcome of cranioplasty, in terms of results and complication rates, with studies showing inadequate follow-up and including populations that are not homogeneous by age of the patients, etiology, and size of the bone defect.Indeed, age has merged in the last years as a risk factor for resorption of autologous bone flap that is still the most frequent complication in cranial repair after decompressive craniectomy.Age-related factors play a role also when alloplastic materials are used. In fact, the implantation of alloplastic materials is limited by skull growth under 7 years of age and is contraindicated in the first years if life. Thus, the absence of an ideal material for cranioplasty is even more evident in children with a steady risk of complications through the entire life of the patient that is usually much longer than surgical follow-up.As a result, specific techniques should be adopted according to the age of the patient and etiology of the defect, aiming to repair the skull and respect its residual growth.Thus, autologous bone still represents the best option for cranial repair, though limitations exist. As an alternative, biomimetic materials should ideally warrant the possibility to overcome the limits of other inert alloplastic materials by favoring osteointegration or osteoinduction or both.On these grounds, this paper aims to offer a thorough overview of techniques, materials, and peculiar issues of cranial repair in children.

Traumatic Brain Injury Outcome Associations With Computed Tomography and Glasgow Coma Scale Score Interactions: A Retrospective Study.

Background Numerous investigators have shown that early postinjury Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) values are associated with later clinical outcomes in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI), in-hospital mortality, and post-hospital discharge Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) results. Following TBI, early GCS, and brain computed tomography (CT) scores have been associated with clinical outcomes. However, only one previous study combined GCS scores with CT scan results and demonstrated an interaction with in-hospital mortality and GOS results. We aimed to determine if interactive GCS and CT findings would be associated with outcomes better than GCS and CT findings alone. Methodology Our study included TBI patients who had GCS scores of 3-12 and required mechanical ventilation for ≥five days. The GCS deficit was determined as 15 minus the GCS score. The mass effect CT score was calculated as lateral ventricular compression plus basal cistern compression plus midline shift. Each value was 1 for present. A prognostic CT score was the mass effect score plus subarachnoid hemorrhage (2 if present).The CT-GCS deficit score was the sum of the GCS deficit and the prognostic CT score. Results One hundred and twelve consecutive TBI patients met the inclusion criteria. Patients with surgical decompression had a lower GCS score (6.0±3.0) than those without (7.7±3.3; Cohen d=0.54). Patients with surgical decompression had a higher mass effect CT score (2.8±0.5) than those without (1.7±1.0; Cohen d=1.4). The GCS deficit was greater in patients not following commands at hospital discharge (9.6±2.6) than in those following commands (6.8±3.2; Cohen d=0.96). The prognostic CT score was greater in patients not following commands at hospital discharge (3.7±1.2) than in those following commands (3.1±1.1; Cohen d=0.52). The CT-GCS deficit score was greater in patients not following commands at hospital discharge (13.3±3.2) than in those following commands (9.9±3.2; Cohen d=1.06). Logistic regression stepwise analysis showed that the failure to follow commands at hospital discharge was associated with the CT-GCS deficit score but not with the GCS deficit. The GCS deficit was greater in patients not following commands at three months (9.7±2.8) than in those following commands (7.4±3.2; Cohen d=0.78). The CT-GCS deficit score was greater in patients not following commands at three months (13.6±3.1) than in those following commands (10.5±3.4; Cohen d=0.94). Logistic regression stepwise analysis showed that failure to follow commands at three months was associated with the CT-GCS deficit score but not with the GCS deficit. The proportion not following commands at three months was greater with a GCS deficit of 9-12 (50.9%) than with a GCS deficit of 3-8 (21.1%; odds ratio=3.9; risk ratio=2.1). The proportion of not following commands at three months was greater with a CT-GCS deficit score of 13-17 (56.0%) than with a CT-GCS deficit score of 4-12 (18.3%; OR=5.7; RR=3.1). Conclusion The mass effect CT score had a substantially better association with the need for surgical decompression than did the GCS score. The degree of association for not following commands at hospital discharge and three months was greater with the CT-GCS deficit score than with the GCS deficit. These observations support the notion that a mass effect and subarachnoid hemorrhage composite CT score can interact with the GCS score to better prognosticate TBI outcomes than the GCS score alone.

Reviving Consciousness: A Neurophysiotherapy Triumph in Decompressive Craniotomy Recovery.

This case report presents a 54-year-old male with a history of type-2 diabetes mellitus who experienced sudden unconsciousness and vomiting, leading to aspiration and subsequent diagnosis of a hemorrhagic stroke. The patient underwent an immediate decompressive craniotomy, revealing a sizable intraparenchymal hematoma in the right basal ganglia and corona radiata. Postoperatively, the patient exhibited left-sided weakness, hyporeflexia, and cognitive impairment. A comprehensive neurophysiotherapy intervention addressed impaired mobility, strength, balance, coordination, respiratory complications, pain management, and other associated challenges. The rehabilitation protocol involved diverse strategies such as passive and active exercises, sensory stimulation, and the application of neurophysiotherapeutic approaches. The patient's progress was assessed using various outcome measures. Neurophysiotherapy plays a crucial role in the recovery of decompressive craniotomy.

Severe Pediatric Open Skull Fracture With Exposed Brain Matter: A Case Report.

Head trauma in the pediatric population carries a high rate of morbidity and mortality. The major causes of head trauma are related to falls, recreational activities, motor vehicle accidents, and gunshot wounds. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can occur after severe head trauma and is defined as an alteration in brain function, or other evidence of brain pathology, caused by an external force. Intracranial edema and herniation are common consequences of a TBI in pediatric patients and are commonly relieved via decompressive craniectomy.  This case study describes a 13-year-old male presenting to the trauma center after an unhelmeted all-terrain vehicle (ATV) accident with a positive head strike and loss of consciousness. The evaluation revealed extensive skull fractures extending from the frontal to the occipital lobe with brain exposure. Computed tomography (CT) scan of the head demonstrated extensive, open skull fractures with significant displacement of the exposed brain, extensive bilateral parietal and frontal bone fractures, and bilateral temporal bone displaced fractures more extensive on the left. A bilateral hemicraniectomy was performed due to diffuse cerebral edema and a left frontal ventriculostomy was placed to monitor and manage intracranial pressure (ICP). It is believed that the unique presentation of an open skull fracture with an exposed brain acted as a decompressive method allowing for extreme lifesaving measures to be performed to save the patient. Further exploration is needed to truly understand the effects of the unique injury presentation and the role of an open fracture in the delay of increased ICP.

Shunt-Dependent Post-Traumatic Hydrocephalus: Predictors and Long-Term Functional Outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: As a disorder of the brain in adults and children, traumatic brain injury (TBI) is considered the major cause of mortality and morbidity. As a serious complication of TBI, post-traumatic hydrocephalus (PTH) is commonly identified and significantly associated with neurocognitive impairment, motor dysfunction, and growth impairment. The long-term functional outcomes after shunt dependence are totally not clear. METHODS: This study included 6279 patients between 2012 and 2022. To identify the unfavorable functional outcomes and the PTH-related factors, we carried out univariable logistic regression analyses. To identify the occurrence time of PTH, we conducted the log-rank test and Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 51.03 ± 22.09 years. Of the 6279 patients with TBI, 327 developed PTH (5.2%). Several PTH development-associated factors, such as intracerebral hematoma, diabetes, longer initial hospital stay, craniotomy, low GCS (Glasgow Coma Scale), EVD (external ventricular drain), and DC (decompressive craniectomy) (p < 0.01), were identified. We also analyzed the factors of unfavorable outcomes after TBI including > 80 years, repeated operations, hypertension, EVD, tracheotomy, and epilepsy (p < 0.01). Ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) itself is not an independent factor of the unfavorable outcome but shunt complication is a strong independent factor of unfavorable outcome (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: We should emphasize the practices that can minimize the risks of shunt complications. Additionally, the rigorous radiographic and clinical surveillance will benefit those patients at high risk of developing PTH. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, ChiCTR2300070016.

Inverted gull-wing hinge decompressive craniotomy for infantile acute subdural hematoma: A case report.

Infantile severe acute subdural hematomas (ASDHs) usually require a decompressive craniotomy. However, these infantile patients often suffer surgical site infection and aseptic bone-flap resorption after external decompression. In this report, we showed a case of a simplified hinge decompressive craniotomy in an infant with severe ASDH. A 2-month-old girl suffered from status epilepticus, impaired consciousness, multiple rib fractures, bilateral fundus hemorrhage, and a right ASDH. We performed a simplified hinge decompressive craniotomy, making a vascularized bone flap with a hinge using the partial temporal bone and temporal muscle and not fixing the bone flap like an inverted gull wing. Cranioplasty was performed 4 weeks after the decompression craniotomy with replaced resorbable substitute dura. Six months after the transfer, her development was generally in line with her age. The decompressive craniotomy with an inverted gull-wing hinge has shown a good outcome.

[A case of multiple sclerosis with a tumefactive lesion during long-term treatment with fingolimod, leading to decompressive craniotomy].

We report a 57-year-old man with multiple sclerosis since his 30s who was treated with fingolimod for 9 years. He developed left hemiparesis and consciousness disturbance. Brain MRI revealed a mass lesion in the right frontal lobe with gadolinium enhancement. Cerebrospinal fluid examination showed no pleocytosis. The lesion continued to expand after admission, and on the 9th day after admission, decompressive craniectomy and brain biopsy were performed. Brain pathology revealed demyelination in the lesion, leading to the diagnosis of a tumefactive demyelinating lesion. Corticosteroid therapy ameliorated the brain lesion, and we inducted natalizumab. Tumefactive demyelinating lesions requiring decompressive craniotomy are rare, and we report this case for the further accumulation of similar cases.

Surgical Outcome of Basal Ganglia Hemorrhage: A Retrospective Analysis of Nearly 3,000 Cases over 10 Years.

Background Basal ganglia hemorrhage (BGH) is a severe neurologic condition associated with significant morbidity and mortality, and its optimal management remains a topic of debate. Our study assessed the surgical outcomes of BGH patients at the 3-month mark using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Methods This retrospective observational study was conducted over 10 years at an advanced neuro-specialty hospital in Eastern India, including patients who underwent decompressive craniotomy and hematoma evacuation. Variables were systematically coded and analyzed to evaluate the postoperative outcome with age (in years), preoperative motor (M) status, and hematoma volume. Results This study enrolled 2,989 patients with a mean age of 59.62 (standard deviation: 9.64) years, predominantly males ( n = 2,427; 81.2%). Hypertension (1,612 cases) and diabetes mellitus (1,202 cases) were the most common comorbidities. Common clinical presentations included ipsilateral weakness (1,920 cases) and/or altered mental status (1,670 cases). At the 3-month mark postsurgery, 2,129 cases (71.2%) had a favorable outcome based on mRS, while 389 cases (13.0%) had an unfavorable outcome. The regression equation showed that age was inversely related to the percentage of individuals achieving a favorable outcome. It also revealed that the preoperative motor score was positively correlated with favorable outcomes. Hematomas smaller than 60 mL had better outcomes, with 1,311 cases (69.1%) classified as good outcomes and 337 cases (17.8%) as bad outcomes. Fatal outcomes related to the illness were observed in 471 patients (15.8%) within the study population. Conclusion Surgery for BGH showed a substantial improvement in outcomes, particularly in patients with M5/M4 motor status. The preoperative motor score (M status) emerged as a crucial predictor of favorable neurological outcomes. Age and hematoma volume, however, were found to be nondefinitive factors in determining good outcomes.

Postoperative Salvage Decompressive Craniotomy: Usefulness of The Simple Posteriorly Directed Release Incision in Adequately Expanding Frontotemporal Flaps.

Salvage decompressive craniotomies performed following complications after initial planned craniotomies may be inadequate if they are only restricted to removal of the small previously replaced bone flap with some additional nibbling of bone from the surrounding craniotomy margins by retracting the skin. To achieve the aim of adequately decreasing intracranial pressure without affecting wound healing, fresh incisions need to be placed to expand the craniotomy adequately while not compromising vascularity of the scalp. The rationale and safety of the simple posteriorly placed release incision to expand frontotemporal flaps is described.

Epidural Fluid Collections After Cranioplasty.

Background: Common complications following cranioplasty (CP) include infections, seizures, bone flap resorption, and intra-cranial hemorrhages. Epidural fluid collections (EFCs), often seen in the immediate post-operative scan as hypo-dense accumulations below the bone flap, have been very infrequently discussed in the literature as in the majority of the cases, they are small, get resorbed spontaneously, and usually do not cause neurological deficits. Objective: To document our experience with EFCs that needed re-operation and analyze their clinical and radiological findings. Materials and Methods: We describe a series of six cases of symptomatic EFCs following CP that necessitated re-operation in a series of 89 cases over 7 years. Conclusions: EFCs following CP have a different pathogenetic mechanism compared to post-operative epidural hemorrhages. Meticulous surgical techniques can reduce their incidence. Symptomatic EFCs can be evacuated by either re-opening the flap or placing burr holes in the replaced bone. EFCs may become symptomatic even a few days after CP.

Massive Middle Cerebral Artery Ischemic Stroke Associated with Severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in H1N1 Influenza: A Case Report.

Influenza has a common occurrence during its peak seasons. It usually causes disease of the respiratory tract including severe acute respiratory distress syndrome. However, it may also cause disease and complication of other organ systems. We present a rare complication of influenza in which a patient secondary to influenza developed massive middle cerebral artery ischemic stroke. The patient however survived following recovery of both severe acute respiratory distress syndrome and ischemic stroke after decompressive craniectomy and a prolonged intensive care unit stay. This case report is to highlight the importance of influenza related complications besides the pulmonary infliction which can lead to morbidity and even mortality if not managed on time.

Clinical efficacy and prognosis of standard large trauma craniotomy for patients with severe frontotemporal craniocerebral injury.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical efficacy, incidence of postoperative complications, and the quality of life in patients with severe craniocerebral injury undergoing standard large trauma craniotomy. METHODS: Seventy-eight patients with severe craniocerebral injury who had been admitted to Hubei Hanchuan People's Hospital were selected retrospectively and assigned into an observation group and control group according to the treatment received, with 39 patients in each group. Patients in the control group were treated with conventional decompressive craniotomy and those in the observation group with standard large trauma craniotomy. The prognosis (GOS score), intracranial pressure before and after surgery, neurological functions (NIHSS score), cerebral hemodynamics (Vm, Vs, PI), quality of life (SF-36 score) and postoperative complications were compared. RESULTS: The number of patients whose GOS scores were graded 5 was markedly higher in the observation group than that in the control group (P<0.05). The postoperative intracranial pressure and NIHSS scores in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.001). The postoperative Vm, Vs and PI were lower in the observation group than those in the control group, respectively (P<0.001). There was no statistical difference in the incidence of complications in the two groups (P>0.05). The SF-36 scores in the observation group were higher than those of the control group (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Standard large trauma craniotomy is effective in treating patients with severe frontotemporal craniocerebral injury. It decreases intracranial pressure, improves neurological function and quality of life and results in a good prognosis.

[Features of modeling a polymer implant for closing a defect after decompressive craniotomy]. / Osobennosti modelirovaniya, izgotovleniya i ustanovki polimernykh implantatov dlya zakrytiya defekta cherepa posle dekompressivnoi trepanatsii.

BACKGROUND: Individual polymer implants are widespread for bone reconstruction after decompressive craniectomy. Despite the availability of customized titanium products, various specialists and hospitals prefer polymer implants. OBJECTIVE: To compare the methods of modeling and manufacturing the polymethylmethacrylate implants and identify the features affecting the quality of reconstruction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyzed 14 patients with extensive skull defects after installation of polymethyl methacrylate implants. Software used for modeling of individual implants by different specialists was compared. RESULTS: Satisfactory reconstruction result was obtained in all cases. There were no infectious complications. The authors outlined certain important aspects for modeling of individual polymer products: local use of anatomical thickness of the implant, leaving safe spaces, prevention of temporal retraction, template-based resection before reconstruction. CONCLUSION: To date, skull defect closure with polymeric materials remains relevant, and even has certain advantages over customized titanium products.

Implementation of the Gamut of Physiotherapy Maneuvers in Restoration and Normalization of Functional Potencies in a Patient With a Hemorrhagic Stroke: A Case Report.

A stroke is a medical emergency characterized by a sudden onset of focal neurological deficits due to an interruption in the blood flow to the brain tissues, with signs and symptoms persisting for more than 24 hours. Motor, sensory, recognition, language, and perceptual deficiencies are typical signs of the disease, depending on the areas affected, the size of the injury, and the origin of the injury. Patients who have had a stroke frequently have problems like weakness, stiffness, and altered movement patterns in addition to poor balance and mobility issues. Numerous physiotherapeutic strategies concentrate on helping stroke victims recover quickly. Stroke-related mortality rates have decreased over the past few decades due to advancements in stroke therapy and rehabilitation. One approach that can be primarily used to normalization of tone is facilitation by Rood's technique. The present case report is of a 45-year-old female with a history of hypertension presented with complaints of weakness on the right side of the body. The patient had right hemiplegia with more involvement of the right upper extremity. The patient underwent a decompressive craniotomy. On investigation, the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) report revealed an area of blood density attenuation with multiple air foci in the left gangliocapsular region. Treatment was started after the patient was operated on. An approach-oriented rehabilitation program was planned for the patient. Physiotherapy maneuvers such as the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) approach and Rood's approach were used to restore and normalize functional potencies and recover the patient's condition. Oral facial facilitation was also used for swallowing frequency control, sensory awareness, and motor control. Posttreatment changes such as changes in muscle tone, strength, and mobility, which are essential for patients with the activity of daily living (ADLs), were observed. Outcome measures used in this patient are the Functional Independence of Measures (FIM) scale, Brunnstrom grading, voluntary control grading, and the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS).

Decompressive craniotomy for malignant middle cerebral artery infarction: The quest for an African perspective.

BACKGROUND: Although associated with controversy, decompressive craniotomy (DC) for malignant middle cerebral artery infarction (MMCAI) is an unequivocally lifesaving intervention. DC for MMCAI is rarely performed in lower- to middle-income countries. METHODS: A systemic review was performed in attempt to determine the rates of utilization and outcomes of DC on the African continent. RESULTS: Only two African studies describing DC for MMCAI were found. CONCLUSION: DC for MMCAI is rarely performed and/or reported on the African continent. The African perspective for this needs to be urgently broadened.

Split-Thickness Decompression in the Management of Intracranial Pressure.

Surgical management of elevated intracranial pressures due to stroke or traumatic brain injury has classically been through decompressive craniectomy (DC). There is significant morbidity associated with DC including subdural hygromas, syndrome of the trephined, and the need for subsequent cranioplasty. Alternative techniques including the hinged and floating craniotomy have shown promise though can still suffer from complications associated with an unsecured bone flap. We report a case in which a patient who presented with an acute subdural hematoma and associated midline shift that was successfully treated with decompression via thinning and re-securing of the bone flap in a "split-thickness decompression."

Everted Pedicled Temporalis Fascial Flap to Augment Pedicled Pericranial Flap for Lax Duraplasty in Decompressive Craniotomy: A Cost-Effective Procedure.

Decompressive craniotomy is a commonly performed surgery to relieve raised intracranial pressure. At the end of the procedure, it is the convention to cover the exposed brain by performing a lax duraplasty which allows for both brain expansion and provides protection to the underlying parenchyma. Various commercially available dural substitutes are used for this purpose. These have the drawback of being both expensive and nonvascularized. We propose a technique of using pericranium along with everted temporalis fascia (both being locally harvested vascularized pedicle flaps) that can suffice in a vast majority of cases for covering the brain.

Decompressive craniotomy: an international survey of practice.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and stroke have devastating consequences and are major global public health issues. For patients that require a cerebral decompression after suffering a TBI or stroke, a decompressive craniectomy (DC) is the most commonly performed operation. However, retrospective non-randomized studies suggest that a decompressive craniotomy (DCO; also known as hinge or floating craniotomy), where a bone flap is replaced but not rigidly fixed, has comparable outcomes to DC. The primary aim of this project was to understand the current extent of usage of DC and DCO for TBI and stroke worldwide. METHOD: A questionnaire was designed and disseminated globally via emailing lists and social media to practicing neurosurgeons between June and November 2019. RESULTS: We received 208 responses from 60 countries [40 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)]. DC is used more frequently than DCO, however, about one-quarter of respondents are using a DCO in more than 25% of their patients. The three top indications for a DCO were an acute subdural hematoma (ASDH) and a GCS of 9-12, ASDH with contusions and a GCS of 3-8, and ASDH with contusions and a GCS of 9-12. There were 8 DCO techniques used with the majority (60/125) loosely tying sutures to the bone flap. The majority (82%) stated that they were interested in collaborating on a randomized trial of DCO vs. DC. CONCLUSION: Our results show that DCO is a procedure carried out for TBI and stroke, especially in LMICs, and most commonly for an ASDH. The majority of the respondents were interested in collaborating on a is a future randomized trial.

Hinge and floating decompressive craniotomy for infantile acute subdural hematoma: technical note.

Cranioplasty complications after decompressive craniectomy (DC) in infants are not fully recognized. We aimed to devise and assess the efficacy of a hinge and floating DC (HFDC) technique for treating infantile acute subdural hematoma. Five infants, aged 2-20 months, were included. Intracranial pressure was controlled below 20 mmHg, no additional surgery was required, and there was no incidence of surgical site infection or bone graft resorption.

New technique for surgical decompression in traumatic brain injury: merging two concepts to prevent early and late complications of unilateral decompressive craniectomy with dural expansion.

INTRODUCTION: Decompressive craniectomy (DC) in severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with acute and late complications. To avoid these complications, we proposed a technical modification in DC. In this paper analyze a series of patients underwent to surgical treatment for acute subdural hematoma (ASDH). METHODS: We perform a prospective cohort with TBI patients undergoing DC for treatment of diffuse hemispheric brain swelling and ASDH. The effect of modified craniectomy was assessed using postoperative CT. Clinical outcome was evaluated at ICU mortality in 2 weeks. RESULTS: Comparing the CT scans before and after surgery, the midline shift decreases from median of 11 mm to 5.5 mm (P<0.001). Only one patient had presented uncontrolled intracranial hypertension after surgery. Postoperative mortality in the intensive care unit within 14 days was 48.8%. CONCLUSION: this is an interesting technical modification. In this pilot study, we observed ICP control, avoiding the complications of classical decompression.