Cranioplastik

Cranioplastik, commonly referred to as cranioplasty in English, is a neurosurgical procedure to repair skull defects resulting from traumatic injury, tumor resection, infection, congenital anomalies, or prior craniectomy. The surgery aims to restore cranial contour, protect underlying brain tissue, and may improve neurological function in select cases, including relief of symptoms associated with the syndrome of the trephined.

Techniques and materials used in cranioplasty vary. Defects can be repaired with autologous bone grafts (often the patient's own skull bone reimplanted during the procedure or stored for later use) or with alloplastic implants. Alloplastic options include polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) bone cement, titanium implants, polyether ether ketone (PEEK), porous polyethylene, and hydroxyapatite. Modern practice increasingly employs custom three-dimensional‑printed implants tailored to the patient’s defect, improving fit and cosmetic results. Fixation is typically achieved with screws and plates to secure the graft or implant to surrounding skull edges.

Indications for cranioplasty include protection of exposed or compromised brain tissue, cosmetic restoration after craniectomy or focal trauma, and prevention or improvement of complications such as the sinking skin flap syndrome. In some patients, cranioplasty may be associated with improvements in cognitive or motor function, though outcomes are variable and related to the underlying brain condition.

Risks and complications can include infection, implant failure or fracture, hematoma, wound dehiscence, bone resorption (especially with autologous grafts), seizures, and cerebrospinal fluid leaks. Careful patient selection and meticulous surgical technique are important for favorable outcomes.