Use of a customized 3D "basket" to create a solitary split-thickness cranial graft from numerous split fragments in an infant

J Neurosurg Pediatr. 2014 Aug;14(2):196-9. doi: 10.3171/2014.5.PEDS1420. Epub 2014 Jun 20.

Abstract

While autologous split calvaria remains the preferred material for use in pediatric cranioplasty, it may be difficult to split the bone neatly into two distinct pieces, especially in infants and young children. In this paper, the authors present a technique in which numerous split pieces of bone can be readily joined together and conformed to the shape of the specific defect using a customized template and 3D trellis-like basket.

Keywords: 3D; autograft; basket; cranioplasty; split-thickness; technique.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Bone Transplantation / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Occipital Bone / surgery
  • Parietal Bone / surgery
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures / methods*
  • Skull / surgery*