Midline suboccipital osteoplastic craniotomy - 'cobra craniotomy'

Pediatr Neurosurg. 2012;48(6):394-6. doi: 10.1159/000354220. Epub 2013 Aug 28.

Abstract

Background: Midline suboccipital craniotomy has been proposed as an alternative to conventional craniectomy for removal of posterior fossa tumors.

Method: We describe a modified technique for midline suboccipital osteoplastic craniotomy based on the atlantooccipital membrane for a 17-year-old boy with superior vermian astrocytoma. Osteoplastic craniotomy was performed safely in this patient.

Result: The presence of the turned down, attached bone flap did not interfere with surgery. Reattachment of the bone flap was easy and stable. This technique was not associated with additional risks.

Conclusion: Midline suboccipital osteoplastic craniotomy is a better option for superiorly placed midline posterior fossa tumor surgery.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Astrocytoma / diagnosis
  • Astrocytoma / surgery*
  • Craniotomy / methods*
  • Humans
  • Infratentorial Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Infratentorial Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Occipital Bone / diagnostic imaging
  • Occipital Bone / pathology
  • Occipital Bone / surgery*
  • Surgical Flaps
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed