Mini titanium plates and screws for cranial bone flap fixation; an experience from Pakistan

The biocompatibility and osseointegrative qualities of the element titanium have allowed its extensive use medical science especially Orthopedics and Neurosurgery, effectively replacing its predecessor, steel. Historically, nonabsorbable sutures were used to anchor the bone flap following a craniotomy but have been associated with functional and cosmetic defects as well as nonunion and failure postoperatively.[1] The craniofacial region is the most important part of the body with regard to harmony and symmetry and associated with self‐image of the patient, but unfortunately, maintenance of preoperative appearance has not been a priority among neurosurgeons.[2] Improper fixation of a bone flap following craniotomies has also been known to affect overall surgical outcome.[3] Titanium miniplates have been employed for cranial bone flap fixation with excellent results for several years[4] and we are pleased to report that working in a developing health care system; our experience has proved to be cost effective and yielding excellent cosmesis.