Cranioplasty (Skull Defect Repair)

A repair operation in which a bone gap in the skull resulting from previous surgery or injury is closed with an appropriate material.

Book an Appointment WhatsApp

H22 Topic Guide

Reconstructive Neurosurgery

This hub page brings together 2 conditions under Reconstructive Neurosurgery. Use it to move from overview content to the relevant disease detail pages.

Open topic guide

1Overview

Quick and clear information for patients

What is this Condition?

Cranioplasty is an operation to close a missing bone area in the skull. In cases of severe brain swelling (severe head trauma, large stroke, or brain hemorrhage), a portion of the skull may be temporarily removed to provide space for the brain and reduce intracranial pressure; this is a life-saving procedure but leaves a bone defect. This gap is subsequently closed both to protect the brain and to restore head shape. The closure may use the patient's own preserved bone or artificial materials such as titanium or PEEK. It is typically performed several months after the initial operation, when brain swelling has resolved and the condition has stabilized. In many patients, improvement in general condition and some neurological symptoms is observed after the gap is closed.

Symptoms

Patients who previously had a part of their skull removed due to brain swelling (who underwent decompressive surgery)

Individuals with bone defects in the skull remaining after trauma or brain surgery

Patients experiencing skin collapse over the bone defect, headaches, or worsening of neurological symptoms

Patients whose general condition has stabilized and brain swelling has resolved (typically 3-6 months after initial surgery)

Cases where abnormal head shape needs to be corrected for brain protection or aesthetic reasons

Individuals without active infection who are suitable for surgery

Diagnosis Methods

Since cranioplasty is a reconstructive procedure, the evaluation is based on the condition of the bone defect and the patient's overall status. CT imaging examines the location and size of the skull defect in detail; if an artificial piece (implant) is needed, it can be specially prepared accordingly. The resolution of brain swelling, presence of infection signs, and patient's surgical suitability are verified. If there is skin collapse over the defect with accompanying symptoms (trephine syndrome), advancing the surgery may be necessary.

Treatment Methods

The operation is performed under general anesthesia and typically lasts several hours. The previous surgical scar is opened to expose the edges of the bone defect, and the brain membrane is carefully freed. The defect is filled with either the patient's own bone stored previously or an appropriate artificial piece (titanium, PEEK, or bone cement) and secured with small plates and screws. The choice of material depends on the size of the defect, patient's condition, and other factors. The patient typically stays in the hospital for several days. Post-operative healing and potential complications are monitored with regular CT imaging.

Closing the defect with the patient's own previously stored bone

Reconstruction with artificial custom-made pieces such as titanium or PEEK

Closing with bone cement (PMMA) shaped during surgery

Regular follow-up with CT imaging post-procedure and management of complications if needed

Treatment Path

Related Treatments

The procedures and interventions most commonly explored with this condition.

4 links

Decompressive Craniectomy (Unilateral)

Decompressive Craniectomy (Unilateral) procedure

Open treatment detail

Subdural hematom drenajı, burr hole ile, tek taraflı

Subdural hematom drenajı, burr hole ile, tek taraflı procedure

Open treatment detail

Epidural hematom drenajı, kranyotomi ile

Epidural hematom drenajı, kranyotomi ile procedure

Open treatment detail

Cranioplasty (with Autogenous Graft)

Cranioplasty (with Autogenous Graft) procedure

Open treatment detail

References

Greenberg MS. Handbook of Neurosurgery. 10th ed. Thieme; 2023:1764.
Greenberg MS. Handbook of Neurosurgery. 10th ed. Thieme; 2023:1763.
Quiñones-Hinojosa A, ed. Schmidek and Sweet Operative Neurosurgical Techniques. 7th ed. Elsevier; 2021:921.
Connolly ES Jr, McKhann GM II, Huang J, et al. Skull defects: cranioplasty. In: Fundamentals of Operative Techniques in Neurosurgery. 2nd ed. Thieme; 2010.

This content is for informational purposes and based on academic sources; consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

Bu Sayfayı Paylaşın

Bilgilendirici içeriği sevdiklerinizle paylaşın

Looking for Another Condition?

Search among 134 neurosurgical conditions

All Disease Categories

23 categories, 134 neurosurgical conditions

🧠

Contact and Appointment

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Özgür AKŞAN

Phone

+90 (232) 404 00 61

+90 (532) 414 35 35

[email protected]

Address

Ziya Gökalp Blv. No:28 D:1-2
35220 Konak/İzmir

Website

www.drozguraksan.com

Book Online Appointment Contact via WhatsApp

Browse Other Conditions

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Özgür AKŞAN

Brain & Nerve Surgery

Book an appointment for detailed information and personalized treatment plan.

Book Appointment

Related Department

Brain Surgery

Surgical treatment of benign and malignant brain tumors, cerebrovascular diseases and hydrocephalus.

Send Your MRI Images

Get a free preliminary evaluation via EmarYolla.com.

Send MRI →

Our Services

Comprehensive Neurosurgery Services - A·B·C·H

Academy

BVSpedia

"Making medical knowledge free, open and accessible to everyone"

Departments

Specialty Areas

Main departments:

See All 16 Departments

Treatments

Surgical Techniques

Popular Surgeries:

See All Surgeries

Diseases

134 Neurosurgical

Most Searched:

See All 134 Diseases

What kind of help do you need?

Book Appointment Frequently Asked Questions

Brain Surgery - Other Conditions

Brain Tumor Glioblastoma (GBM)Acoustic Neuroma Astrocytoma Brain Metastases Ependymoma Glioma Pituitary Adenoma

🏠Home 📋All Conditions 🏥Brain Surgery 📞Contact

Need help?

Book an appointment for expert evaluation.

Book Appointment Contact via WhatsApp

← Back to All Conditions Brain Surgery View Page →

Cranioplasty (Skull Defect Repair)

Reconstructive Neurosurgery

1Overview

What is this Condition?

Symptoms

Diagnosis Methods

Treatment Methods

Related Treatments

Decompressive Craniectomy (Unilateral)

Subdural hematom drenajı, burr hole ile, tek taraflı

Epidural hematom drenajı, kranyotomi ile

Cranioplasty (with Autogenous Graft)

References

Bu Sayfayı Paylaşın

Looking for Another Condition?

All Disease Categories

Brain Tumors

Spine Surgery

Vascular

Pediatric

Functional

Trauma

Pain Treatment

See All

Contact and Appointment

Browse Other Conditions

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Özgür AKŞAN

Related Department

Brain Surgery

Send Your MRI Images

Our Services

Academy

Departments

Treatments

Diseases

YOU ARE HERE

Brain Surgery - Other Conditions

Need help?

Related Treatments

Decompressive Craniectomy (Unilateral)

Subdural hematom drenajı, burr hole ile, tek taraflı

Epidural hematom drenajı, kranyotomi ile

Cranioplasty (with Autogenous Graft)

Bu Sayfayı Paylaşın