title: Frameless, pinless stereotactic neurosurgery in children.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Frameless neuronavigation has been established as a useful adjunct to intracranial surgery; however, the procedure is limited in young children by the need for rigid skull fixation with pins. Pin fixation is difficult and hazardous for patients younger than 2 years of age. Minor risks have been associated with pin fixation in older patients also, including scalp laceration, skull fracture, and epidural hematoma.
  
  
  METHODS
  The authors adapted a pinless head fixation system, consisting of a beanbag device, for use with frameless neuronavigation. This system was used to perform intracranial neurosurgical procedures in nine patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This pinless, frameless method provides a new option for children who are unable to sustain rigid head fixation. It is also an alternative to rigid pin fixation for patients of any age.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA.
authors.forename: John F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Reavey-Cantwell
authors.forename: Frank J
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Bova
authors.forename: David W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Pincus
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D003399:Craniotomy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D044583:Neuroendoscopy; D038361:Neuronavigation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014696:Ventriculostomy