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JRPMS Vol 8, No 2, June 2024, p.71-76

doi: 10.22540/JRPMS-08-071

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Review Article

Reconstruction of Defects of the Cranial Vault

Andriana Nikolopoulou1, Ismene Dontas1, Efstathios Chronopoulos2, Christos Zafeiris1

  1. Laboratory of Research of the Musculoskeletal System, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, KAT Hospital, Athens, Greece
  2. Second Department of Orthopaedics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece

Keywords: Allograft, Xenograft, Alloplastic biomaterials, Autograft, Cranial vault defects


Abstract

Defects of the cranial vault can be congenital or acquired. Congenital defects include syndromic and nonsyndromic. Acquired defects include defects from tumor, infection and trauma, which can cause loss of the calvarium due to direct trauma or by craniectomy procedure. The diagnostic approach for such cases includes physical examination and imaging techniques (such as plain radiographs, CT, MRI, and ultrasound). The method of reconstruction of cranial defects is tailor made to each individual patient. The method as well as the graft material is based on the patient's overall disease state, long-term prognosis, and medical comorbidities. Reconstruction of these cranial defects has been attempted with the use of different materials which include autografts, allografts, xenografts and alloplastic materials. The reconstruction of cranial defects requires a tailored approach based on the patient's overall disease state, long-term prognosis, and medical comorbidities. Autogenous grafts offer advantages such as integration, vascularity, and lower risk of infection, but have drawbacks including resorption. Allografts, xenografts and alloplastic biomaterials provide alternative options for reconstruction, but there is no ideal material that fulfils all characteristics. The choice of graft material should consider factors such as age, sex, size, and site of the defect.