Hydroxyapatite bone cement application for the reconstruction of retrosigmoid craniectomy in the treatment of cranial nerves disorders

BACKGROUND Retromastoid craniectomy (RSC) is a cardinal surgical approach used to access the posterior fossa. Hydroxyapetite bone cement (HBC) is frequently employed for cranioplasty in efforts to prevent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, whilst maintaining low complication rates and good cosmetic satisfaction. The authors aim to determine the safety and effectiveness of HBC for reconstruction RSC used for treatment of various cranial nerves disorders. METHODS The authors conducted a retrospective one-center two surgeons review of 113 patients who underwent RSC filled with HBC for the treatment of cranial nerve disorders. The study period extended from January 2011 through April 2016. Charts were reviewed for documentation of descriptors pertinent to the endpoints described above. Revisions and reoperations were excluded from analysis. RESULTS Ninety-three patients met the inclusion criteria; there was one case of postoperative pseudomeningocele, which was considered as CSF leak (1%), 3 (3,2%) superficial infections, and no deep infections. Cosmetic satisfaction was obtained in all but one case (98.9% satisfaction) and long-term incisional pain was problematic in 1 (1.1%) patient. Other complications (serous drainage, headache, ear pain) accounted for three cases (3.2%). CONCLUSIONS The application of HBC in the reconstruction of RSC for the treatment of cranial nerves disorders is an effective method, yielding good cosmetic results whilst eliminating CSF leak. Additionally, it is safe due to the lack of deep-seated wound infections with low incidence of chronic incisional pain.