The Materials Utilized in Cranial Reconstruction: Past, Current, and Future

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Background Cranioplasty (CP) is associated with high complication rates compared to other common neurosurgical procedures. Several graft materials are used for CP, which may contribute to the high complication rates, but data in the literature regarding the influence of graft material on post-CP outcomes are inconsistent making it difficult to determine if, when, and to what extent the graft material impacts the rate of perioperative complications. There is an increased demand to identify and develop superior graft materials. Objective To review and compare the indications, risks, complications, and patient results associated with the use of different graft materials for cranial reconstructions. Design A search through EBSCO host was conducted using the keywords "craniectomy" or "decompressive craniectomy," "cranioplasty," and "materials." The search was limited to literature published in the English language from 2005 until the present. Ultimately, 69 articles were included in this review. Due to the heterogeneity of the study populations, results, statistical analyses, and collecting methods, no statistical analyses could be performed. Conclusions Several graft materials have been adapted for use in cranial reconstructions with inconsistent results making it unclear if or when one material may be indicated over others. Advances in computer-aided design have led to improved pa

Evidence level

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

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