Frameless, pinless stereotactic neurosurgery in children.
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.
Reavey-Cantwell
John F
JF
Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA.
Bova
Frank J
FJ
Pincus
David W
DW
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