title: Reconstruction of the cranial base.
abstract: The cranial base is a complex boundary between intracranial and extracranial anatomic structures. Adequate reconstruction of the basicranium depends on the location, size, and nature of the defect. A reconstructive ladder can be built on a few basic principles: coverage of vital structures, separation of the intra- and extradural spaces, procedural simplicity, and aesthetics. Individual consideration should be given to reconstruction of bone, soft tissue, dura, and cerebrospinal fluid spaces.
authors.affiliation: Section of Plastic Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.
authors.forename: H M
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Spinelli
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Persing
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Walser
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004388:Dura Mater / Q000098:blood supply / Q000601:surgery / Q000637:transplantation; D006801:Humans; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D012886:Skull / Q000601:surgery*; D013518:Surgery, Plastic / Q000379:methods*; D013524:Surgical Flaps