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Background <p>Cranioplasty following decompressive craniectomy (DC) is a critical procedure that restores cranial integrity, improves cerebral physiology and enhances cosmetic and psychological outcomes. The choice of material and timing of reconstruction can significantly impact postoperative recovery and complication rates.</p> Objective <p>To analyse the postoperative complications and cosmetic outcomes of different cranioplasty materials used in a tertiary care centre.</p> Methods <p>This retrospective case series included 20 patients who underwent cranioplasty following DC between 2022 and 2024. Patients were grouped based on the material used: autologous bone (n = 6), titanium mesh (n = 9), and patient-specific titanium implants (n = 5). Preoperative evaluation included imaging and laboratory workup to rule out infection and ensure surgical readiness. Postoperative outcomes, complications, cosmetic results, and material costs were assessed over a 6–18-month follow-up period.</p> Results <p>Autologous bone was associated with a 33% bone flap resorption rate and 17% infection rate. Titanium mesh had one case of implant exposure (11%) but yielded good cosmetic outcomes with moderate cost. Patient-specific implants had no complications and excellent aesthetics but were the most expensive option. Early cranioplasty was not associated with a rise in postoperative complications among any patient groups.</p> Conclusion <p>The results associated with cranioplasty can differ significantly based on the type of material used. Autologous bone grafts frequently comes with a higher risk of complications. Titanium mesh offered balanced outcomes, while patient-specific implants provided optimal aesthetics and safety at a higher cost. Early cranioplasty is a safe and effective strategy in well-selected patients.</p>

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A review of case series of various types of cranioplasty following decompressive craniectomy in a tertiary care centre

  • 期刊论文

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年5月18日

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  • Swathy Elangovan,
  • T. P. Jeyaselva Senthilkumar

摘要

Background

Cranioplasty following decompressive craniectomy (DC) is a critical procedure that restores cranial integrity, improves cerebral physiology and enhances cosmetic and psychological outcomes. The choice of material and timing of reconstruction can significantly impact postoperative recovery and complication rates.

Objective

To analyse the postoperative complications and cosmetic outcomes of different cranioplasty materials used in a tertiary care centre.

Methods

This retrospective case series included 20 patients who underwent cranioplasty following DC between 2022 and 2024. Patients were grouped based on the material used: autologous bone (n = 6), titanium mesh (n = 9), and patient-specific titanium implants (n = 5). Preoperative evaluation included imaging and laboratory workup to rule out infection and ensure surgical readiness. Postoperative outcomes, complications, cosmetic results, and material costs were assessed over a 6–18-month follow-up period.

Results

Autologous bone was associated with a 33% bone flap resorption rate and 17% infection rate. Titanium mesh had one case of implant exposure (11%) but yielded good cosmetic outcomes with moderate cost. Patient-specific implants had no complications and excellent aesthetics but were the most expensive option. Early cranioplasty was not associated with a rise in postoperative complications among any patient groups.

Conclusion

The results associated with cranioplasty can differ significantly based on the type of material used. Autologous bone grafts frequently comes with a higher risk of complications. Titanium mesh offered balanced outcomes, while patient-specific implants provided optimal aesthetics and safety at a higher cost. Early cranioplasty is a safe and effective strategy in well-selected patients.