A simple and accurate technique for cranioplasty in skull tumor surgery

Cranioplasty using methylmethacrylate is a common method in patients with cranial defects. However, it is often difficult to precisely restore a removed cranium. The authors developed a new technique of cranioplasty. In the present study, we first made a cast composed of methylmethacrylate using a bone flap. We then covered the cast with a sheet of wet gauze. The implant was made by applying methylmethacrylate cement onto the gauze. The implant is firmly fixed to the cranium with titanium plates. Five cranioplasties were perfomed using this new technique. All patients achieved excellent cosmetic results with no complications. This technique enables low-cost, easy and cosmetically successful cranioplastic surgery.