Evolution of cranioplasty techniques in neurosurgery: historical review, pediatric considerations, and current trends

TLDR

Cranioplasty, an ancient neurosurgical practice, has evolved as more patients survive head injuries, driving the development of increasingly safe, durable techniques and diverse materials to restore skull contours. This review examines the historical evolution of cranioplasty materials and techniques, emphasizing pediatric calvarial repair and current emerging trends. The authors conduct a comprehensive historical review of cranioplasty methods and materials, analyzing their application in pediatric cases and identifying contemporary innovations.

Abstract

Cranial bone repair is one of the oldest neurosurgical practices. Reconstructing the natural contours of the skull has challenged the ingenuity of surgeons from antiquity to the present day. Given the continuous improvement of neurosurgical and emergency care over the past century, more patients survive such head injuries, thus necessitating more than ever before a simple, safe, and durable means of correcting skull defects. In response, numerous techniques and materials have been devised as the art of cranioplasty has progressed. Although the goals of cranioplasty remain the same, the evolution of techniques and diversity of materials used serves as testimony to the complexity of this task. This paper highlights the evolution of these materials and techniques, with a particular focus on the implications for managing pediatric calvarial repair and emerging trends within the field.