Primary cranioplasty for calvarial compound depressed fractures; 2 centers experience

Abstract Introduction Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among the leading causes of death and disability in younger age groups. Current guidelines to prevent infection compound depressed fractures skull recommend fragment removal debridement, cranial defect usually is left for a secondary cranioplasty. However, recent studies demonstrated no difference rates between primary reconstruction. Herein we point out our preliminary experience using single-staged approach surgical management open fractures. Methods This study included 72 patients Egypt Saudi Arabia with that underwent cranioplasty either by elevation or titanium reconstruction within first h post-traumatic injuries. We report surgery-specific characteristics overall complications over 12-month follow-up period. Results Fifty-nine (82%) immediate were without complications. Twelve seen twelve patients. Infection accounted only 2.8%, while rest consisted convulsions (6.9%), CSF rhinorrhea (4.2%), leak, seroma, re-operation (1.4%) each. One patient died after 20 postoperative days due pulmonary embolism. Conclusion Neurosurgical expertise readily available medical facilities civilian populations have significantly changed traditional calvarial CDF post-trauma, where has proven be valid procedure minimal morbidities compared two-stage protocol.