A Way to Reduce Patient Complications Due to Titanium Plates and Screws Used to Affix Cranial Implants

Summary

Currently when patients undergo neurosurgery, the portion of skull that is removed to access the brain is replaced at the conclusion of the surgery with a cranial implant or the original bone flap. The implant or flap is held rigidly in place to the surrounding bone using titanium plates and screws to prevent micromotion and protect the brain. Because of their non-anatomical profile on top of the skull, the plates and screws can lead to social stigma and serve as a constant visual reminder of trauma to the patient. The plates and screws can be painful to the touch and even protrude through the thin, overlaying scalp, necessitating a repeat surgery. Our team worked with Dr. Chad Gordon to develop a new, reduced-profile fixation method for cranial implants.