Using Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing for Autogenous, Split Calvarial Bone Graft-based Cranioplasty: Optimizing Reconstruction of Large, Complex Skull Defects.

BACKGROUND

While autologous split calvarial bone is an ideal graft material in cranioplasty, selection of a donor site can be challenging and limited in the reconstruction of complicated cranial defects. Computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) may improve donor-site harvest and contouring and mitigate operative complications in split calvarial bone graft-based cranioplasty for complex patients, but has not previously been studied in this unique setting.

METHODS

In this study, a retrospective review of patients who presented to the institution and underwent split-calvarial bone graft-based cranioplasty using CAD/CAM to optimize reconstruction of full-thickness cranial defects ≥30 cm was performed. Patient demographics, complications from past operations, intraoperative variables, and immediate and long-term postoperative outcomes were recorded. The CAD/CAM predicted and actual postoperative graft measurements were compared.

RESULTS

Five patients were identified who fulfilled inclusion criteria. Mean age at operation was 43 years and mean size of cranial defect was 69 cm. Mean operative time was 443 minutes and mean estimated blood loss was 450 mL. There were no dural tears, sagittal sinus bleeds, or other intraoperative complications. There were no immediate postoperative complications requiring extended hospital stay or reoperation. The postoperative graft surface areas were on average within 2.1% of the planned graft and this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.28). All patients expressed satisfaction with cranial contour postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

Based on the early experience, the use of CAD/CAM enhances calvarial graft selection and improves contour accuracy in the reconstruction of complex skull defects with minimal complications.