[Clinical applications of devitalized autogenous calvarial bone flaps fixed with titanium clamps (CranioFix) for cranioplasty].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate reimplantation of devitalized autogenous calvarial bone flaps and the fixation of titanium clamps (CranioFix) for cranioplasty.


METHODS
From March 2000 to December 2003, 21 patients underwent (1) delayed reimplantation of preserved autogenous bone flaps, which were removed during the initial operations for increased intracranial pressure and stored in a freezer and autoclaved before use, or (2) immediate reimplantation of tumor invaded bone flaps that were devitalized by boiling. All of these flaps were fixed with titanium clamps (CranioFix). Resorption of the bone flaps was monitored by skull roentgenograms and computed tomography (CT). The clinical and aesthetic results were evaluated.


RESULTS
During the follow-up period of 6 to 30 months, no complications were found. There was slight resorption of the bone flaps in all cases, but the edge of the bone flaps was within the range of the titanium clamps according to skull roentgenograms and CT. Clinical and aesthetic results were highly satisfactory.


CONCLUSIONS
It is simple and practical using devitalized autogenous calvarial bone flaps for cranioplasty. The firmness decreasing of the reimplanted bone flap due to resorption can be prevented greatly by titanium clamps (CranioFix).
Zhang
Jian-Min
JM
Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China.
Chen
Xiao-Min
XM
Chen
Gao
G
Zhu
Xiang-Dong
XD
Wu
Qun
Q
Liu
Xue-Song
XS
Chen
San-Chao
SC
Peng
Shu-You
SY
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016025:Bone Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D003399:Craniotomy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012886:Skull / Q000601:surgery*; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D014025:Titanium; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous; D055815:Young Adult
D014025:Titanium