Pterional craniotomy without keyhole to supratentorial cerebral aneurysms: technical note

BACKGROUND: Patients who have pterional craniotomy occasionally complain of scalp deformity at the frontotemporal area because of craniotomy site. Especially, this occurs as a result of inappropriate repair of the bony defect at the keyhole with the complex curvature of the surrounding bone, although burr holes buttons are used. The author presents results of pterional craniotomy that is performed without keyhole to supratentorial cerebral aneurysms. METHODS: The temporal muscle was incised a few millimeters before its insertion at the superior temporal line, leaving a small fascial cuff for anatomic reattachment during closure. Only one burr hole was placed on the superior temporal line 3 to 4 cm posteriorly from the frontal base. After clipping of aneurysm, the bone flap was fixed using a titanium clamp (CranioFix) for a burr hole and 2 miniplates. RESULTS: Postoperative three-dimensional computerized tomography scans and photographs reveal excellent cosmetic results with the smooth cranial surface without scalp deformity at 6-month follow-up. Dural laceration developed in two cases, but there was no cerebral spinal fluid leakage after repair. CONCLUSION: Our technique offers good cosmetic results and less risk of disaster by intraoperative rupture of aneurysm than the keyhole surgery.     

Cosmetic and functional reconstruction achieved using a split myofascial bone flap for pterional craniotomy. Technical note

Cosmetic deformities that appear following pterional craniotomy are usually caused by temporal muscle atrophy, injury to the frontotemporal branch of the facial nerve, or bone pits in the craniotomy line. To resolve these problems during pterional craniotomy, an alternative method was developed in which a split myofascial bone flap and a free bone flap are used. The authors have used this method in the treatment of 40 patients over the last 3 years. Excellent cosmetic and functional results have been obtained. This method can provide wide exposure similar to that achieved using Ya?argil's interfascial pterional craniotomy, without limiting the operative field with a bulky temporal muscle flap.     

Eyebrow incision for combined orbital osteotomy and supraorbital minicraniotomy: application to aneurysms of the anterior circulation. Technical note

A modification of the supraorbital keyhole approach, the eyebrow incision-minisupraorbital craniotomy with orbital osteotomy, is described. Unique to this approach is a one-piece supraorbital craniotomy, measuring 2.5 x 3.5 cm, that incorporates the orbital rim and roof and the frontal process of the zygomatic bone through an eyebrow incision. The orbital osteotomy facilitates view of the anterior and middle cranial fossa through the operating microscope, as well as the maneuverability of instruments through a small craniotomy. A pericranial flap is elevated with its base at the orbit and used for closure of the frontal sinus, if necessary. The approach was used successfully in elective surgery of 10 aneurysms of the anterior circulation. The mean aneurysm size was 5.9 mm, with a range of 4 to 10 mm. Advantages of this approach include minimal disruption and exposure of normal brain tissue, reduced frontal lobe retraction, and an excellent postoperative cosmetic result. The approach is performed quickly by virtue of a limited skin incision with minimal temporalis muscle dissection and a small bone flap. The neuroendoscope, although helpful at times, is not essential and no special instruments or intraoperative image guidance is required. Relative contraindications include the presence of a large frontal sinus, severe brain edema, and recent subarachnoid hemorrhage. In addition, this approach has not been used for the treatment of giant intracranial aneurysms.     

Fronto-orbital craniotomy reconstruction using the titanium clamp (Craniofix): a technical note

BACKGROUND: We evaluate a new technique for plateless fixation of a bone flap after fronto-orbital craniotomy. METHODS: From September 1999 to October 2004, we performed fronto-orbital craniotomy reconstruction using the Craniofix titanium clamp in 108 consecutive patients with a variety of lesions in the anterior skull base. Postoperative computed tomographic imaging studies and clinical evaluations were performed to prospectively assess cosmetic conformity and bone flap stability and to evaluate the surgical benefit of Craniofix in these patients. RESULTS: Excellent bone flap fixation and cosmetic results were obtained in all patients 6 to 68 months (average, 36 months) after surgery. CONCLUSION: The Craniofix titanium clamp is a reliable, safe, and simple fixation device for reconstruction of fronto-orbital craniotomy.     

A newly designed key-hole button

Patients who have undergone frontotemporal craniotomy occasionally complain of scalp deformity in the anterior temporal area. This occurs as a result of inappropriate reconstruction of the temporal muscle and repair of the bone defect at the key hole and surrounding skull. Although several methods have been developed to prevent skin indentation on burr holes located over the convexity, satisfactory cosmetic repair of the key hole remains difficult because of its complicated bone curvature. To prevent such postoperative deformity, the authors designed a button made of hydroxyapatite ceramics to fit the key hole easily. This new, biocompatible "key-hole button" is shaped to alleviate the deformity of the temple by filling the bone defect in a more natural way. The specifications of this device and its clinical application are described.     

可吸收固定系统在开颅骨瓣复位固定手术中的初步应用

目的观察可吸收固定系统对开颅游离骨瓣复位的固定效果及不良反应。方法 2010年7月-2011年12月,对67例开颅游离骨瓣成型切除颅内病变后患者,采用可吸收固定系统进行骨瓣复位固定。其中男38例,女29例;年龄5个月～73岁,中位年龄32岁。病程3个月～6年,中位病程25个月。幕上病变41例,幕下病变26例;其中位于额颞部13例,额顶部12例,颞顶部8例,颞枕部5例,顶枕部4例,后颅窝25例。诊断为胶质瘤15例,脑血管性疾病(动脉瘤、动静脉畸形及海绵状血管瘤)8例,脑膜瘤和蛛网膜囊肿各7例,听神经瘤和原发三叉神经痛各5例,胆脂瘤和脑脓肿各3例,垂体瘤、颅咽管瘤、转移瘤及放射性脑病各2例,髓母细胞瘤、室管膜瘤、生殖细胞瘤、非典型畸胎瘤/横纹肌样瘤、面肌痉挛及硬膜下血肿各1例。颅内病变范围3 cm×2 cm～7 cm×5 cm。观察术后局部切口及全身情况变化。结果术后有2例幕上和3例幕下病变患者少许皮下积液,均经穿刺抽吸2周后消失;术后切口均Ⅰ期愈合,无红肿、发热等表现;术后2周内复查CT或MRI示骨瓣复位良好,内、外颅骨面均平整,无任何影像伪影。67例均获随访,随访时间3～20个月,平均10.3个月。切口无不适,头颅外观正常,无局部凹陷、积液等。CT或MRI复查未见骨瓣移位凹陷及伪影。结论应用可吸收固定系统进行骨瓣复位固定简便、安全、可靠,且能消除术后CT或MRI复查时金属固定材料导致的伪影,近期疗效较好。     

One-piece pedunculated frontotemporal orbitozygomatic craniotomy by creation of a subperiosteal tunnel beneath the temporal muscle: technical note

OBJECTIVE: We have developed a simple and easy modification of the orbitozygomatic approach using one-piece pedunculated craniotomy. This modification prevents atrophy of the temporal muscle, resulting in temporal fossa depression and atrophy of the free bone graft resulting in the occurrence of bone pits along the line of the craniotomy. METHODS: The key points of this modification are as follows. The scalp flap is elevated in the plane between the superficial and deep layers of the temporal fascia. The temporal muscle is dissected from the temporal plane by performing subperiosteal elevation with intact insertion to the superior temporal line of the temporal muscle, which results in the creation of a subperiosteal tunnel beneath the temporal muscle. The one-piece fronto-orbitozygomatic bone flap is hinged on the temporal muscle. RESULTS: After the surgeons had received full training in the procedures and anatomic findings related to this craniotomy in 10 cadaveric heads, surgery was performed for paraclinoid or parasellar tumors in five patients. Although temporary pulsatile exophthalmos occurred after surgery in one patient, no craniotomy-related complications occurred during or after surgery. Because the bone flap is fragile at the frontozygomatic suture, fixation with a small titanium plate was required in three of five patients at the end of the operation. All patients were pleased with the cosmetic results of surgery during a minimum follow-up period of 6 months. CONCLUSION: The modifications described in this article reduce the risk of atrophy of the temporal muscle and improve the cosmetic results without limitation of operative exposure.     

Cosmetic osteoplastic craniotomy with a chisel and hammer.

BACKGROUND: Osteoplastic craniotomy has been performed recently with microfixation systems such as miniplates, burr hole buttons, and/or ceramic dust. However, these are costly methods of treatment. Without the use of these devices, we performed cosmetic osteoplastic craniotomy using an inexpensive chisel and hammer. METHODS: Our osteoplastic craniotomy with a chisel and hammer was used on 19 lesions in 15 patients. Using a chisel, the bone flap was cut gently from the calvarium to the skull base, the lamina externa to the diploe (finally the lamina interna), and both ends to the midportion between two holes. The lamina interna in the cranium was trimmed easily after removal of the bone flap. The bone defect was minimal because of the absence of a narrow cutting groove and because craniectomy was not performed. The bone flap was replaced by tapping and was tightly fixed. No special fixation system was needed, except for threads. RESULTS: Follow-up (mean follow-up, 5 months; range, 5 weeks to 9 months) skull X-ray and 3D-CT showed good fusion and inherent normal configuration of the bone flap. There were two minor dural tears and two minor bony fractures. CONCLUSION: A good cosmetic effect without the use of any additional instruments was accomplished with osteoplastic craniotomy using a chisel and hammer.     

Stab Wound in the Skull Treated with a Medial Supraorbital Craniotomy Through an Incision in the Eyebrow—a Minimally Invasive Approach

The eyebrow incision associated with medial supraorbital craniotomy is a minimally invasive alternative approach to the lesions located in the medial anterior cranial fossa. The main advantages of the medial supraorbital craniotomy regarding frontolateral supraorbital craniotomy are the absence of manipulation of the temporal muscle, less risk of injury to the frontotemporal branch of the facial nerve and a more medial view of the anterior structures such as frontal sinus, olfatory groove and frontal lobe. We report a unique case of cranial stab wound in which a piece of the knife stayed in the frontal sinus and removal was performed using the medial supraorbital approach. There were no complications during surgery, the patient reported mild hypoesthesia in the left frontal region and was discharged on the 7th postoperative day. During follow-up after 2 months, good cosmetic result of the surgical wound and preserved sensitivity of the left frontal region were noted.     

The One-Piece Orbitozygomatic Approach: The MacCarty Burr Hole and the Inferior Orbital Fissure as Keys to Technique and Application

Summary  Objective. Use of the MacCarty keyhole burr hole and the inferior orbital fissure provides simplicity and safety to perform the one-piece frontotemporal orbitozygomatic (FTOZ1) approach.  Methods. We performed the FTOZ1 approach with its three subtypes (i.e., total, temporal, and frontal) in cadaveric head specimens in the Goodyear Laboratory and subsequently in surgical cases.  Results. The orbitozygomatic osteotomy, when added to a frontotemporal craniotomy, comprises the frontotemporal orbitozygomatic (FTOZ) approach, provides an expanded exposure to the anterior and middle cranial fossae, and enables the surgeon to create a window to the posterior cranial fossa. The MacCarty burr hole is used to facilitate orbital cuts, and the anterolateral portion of the inferior orbital fissure connects the orbital cuts to the zygomatic cuts. This allows the FTOZ1 craniotomy flap to be “out-fractured” with ease. The three types of FTOZ1 approach, i.e., the total, the temporal, and the frontal, are described step by step.  Conclusions. Understanding the MacCarty keyhole burr hole and the microsurgical anatomy of the inferior orbital fissure is essential to performing the FTOZ1 approach. The three types of FTOZ1 approach enable the surgeon to tailor the approach according to the surgical exposure needed for each lesion.     

改良限制性切口额颞部除皱术

目的　为提高额颞部除皱术的效果 ,延长有效时间 ,从理论与实际观察探讨额颞部老年化改变形成的原因 ,并采用相应的手术术式进行矫正。方法　肿胀麻醉下 ,通过颞部发际缘切口入路 ,在颞深筋膜浅面剥离 ,内达颞肌前缘及眶外缘 ,下达颧弓上缘 ,后达耳屏前线。额部切口入路在帽状腱膜下剥离 ,下达眶上缘外至颞线后至枕外隆突。口腔内上颊龈沟入路在颧骨及颧弓骨膜下剥离。上述各剥离区域相互贯通 ,最后将颞区皮瓣上提 ,并将颞浅筋膜与颞深筋膜缝合固定。结果　本组共 32例 ,术后眉外侧平均上提 8mm ,鼻唇沟变浅 ,获随访的 7例为术后 3～2 4个月 ,除皱效果满意。结论　本术式旨在通过广泛剥离解除了额颞部皮肤筋膜上提的羁绊 ,同时减少上面部降肌的作用 ,相对增强提肌的作用 ,再辅以筋膜及皮肤上提固定达到除皱的目的 ,效果确实、可靠、安全、持久。     

额眶区凹陷性骨折整复术式探讨

目的 探索额眶区凹陷性骨折手术修复整形术式.方法 在额眶骨折区外周作冠状切口,翻转皮瓣后,在凹陷性骨折旁开约2 cm左右范围钻孔,形成游离骨瓣,在凹陷性骨折碎片周围形成足够的操作空间后,再取下游离的碎骨片,用骨膜剥离子撬起凹陷的眶板复位后用骨胶原位粘合,取下的游离性骨瓣及碎骨片复位后用骨胶粘合形成新的完整的骨瓣,内板不平整处可用骨蜡修复平整,尽可能将骨瓣内的碎骨片整理归位,再将游离性骨瓣还纳固定.结果 2000年1月至2004年12月我们为17例颅脑外伤额部及眶区巨大凹陷性骨折患者采用此方法进行了修复,所有病例均取得较好疗效,未见有任何并发症,痊愈后患者容貌恢复正常.结论 凹陷性骨折游离骨瓣成型手术整复法可以避免凹陷性骨折撬抬复位的并发症,整复效果好.     

Two-bone flap craniotomy for the transpetrosal–presigmoid approach to avoid a bony defect in the periauricular area after surgery on petroclival lesions: technical note

The authors describe a two-bone-flap craniotomy technique to avoid the bone defect caused by the transpetrosal–presigmoid approach. Briefly, this technique includes three steps. The first step is to elevate a temporoparietal bone flap located superiorly to the transverse and sigmoid sinuses. The second step is to dissect the transverse and sigmoid sinuses away from the bone by inserting a gelatin sponge. This maneuver provides hemostasis and protects the sinuses from injury. The third step is to cut a second bone flap including part of the temporal bone and the outer table of the mastoid bone with a high-speed drill system. After the operation, the two bone flaps are fixed in place with titanium osteosynthesis fixation material. This approach provides a simple, easy, and safe technique for the transpetrosal–presigmoid approach. The technique has been performed in 83 patients treated for petroclival neoplasms with excellent cosmetic results.     

Surgical approaches for the correction of metopic synostosis

Premature closure of the metopic suture results in a deformity ranging from a minor variation to a severe cosmetic deformity. The three principal abnormalities comprising metopic synostosis are trigonocephaly secondary to the restriction of growth of both frontal bones, deficient lateral supraorbital rims, and hypotelorism. Seventeen of 18 patients evaluated for metopic synostosis had surgical correction of their anomalies. For a minor degree of prominence at the metopic suture, a bicoronal flap followed by shaping at the suture with a shaping burr was sufficient and yielded favorable cosmetic results. A more extensive procedure for cosmetic resolution of trigonocephaly and hypotelorism was required for those patients with more pronounced deformities. In patients with moderate to severe metopic synostosis, the following procedures were important in achieving excellent cosmetic results: a bicoronal subgaleal flap down to the supraorbital rims with preservation of continuity of pericranium with an intact periorbita; bifrontal craniotomy with complete removal of the metopic suture; dural plication in midline to achieve an immediate aesthetically pleasing contour; removal or remodeling of the supraorbital rims and nasion with replacement of the remodeled frontal bone anteriorly in order to rebuild the orbital rim and release the supraorbital bar from the anterior cranial base; and securement of the bifrontal bones anteriorly and laterally, but not posteriorly, to allow further anterior and lateral displacement of the supralateral orbital margin.     

Supratentorial craniotomy using a threadwire saw. Technical note

An alternative technique for cutting the bone flap in supratentorial craniotomy uses a threadwire saw (T-saw), originally developed for spinal surgery. After placing a burr hole at each corner of the intended craniotomy, osteotomy is performed between adjacent burr holes using a craniotome, leaving a bony bridge of approximately 1/3 of the length of the osteotomy. The T-saw is introduced between adjacent burr holes through the epidural space and the bridge is cut with reciprocating strokes. The narrow beveled cut reduces the bone gap for fitted bone flap fixation. On closure, the bridge firmly supports the flap and only sutures are needed for fixation. A minimal amount of filler is required to fill the bone gap. Successful bone flap fixation was obtained in more than 100 cases. No technique-related complications such as dural laceration or flap displacement occurred. Osteotomy using a T-saw was somewhat time-consuming, but cutting efficiency was improved with a Diamond T-saw, featuring a section of cable covered with diamond particles. This method is ideal for bone cuts in cosmetic cranioplasty; is easy and safe to perform, is inexpensive, and avoids the need for flap fixation with metal devices.     

Orbitozygomatic approach by transposition of temporalis muscle and one-piece osteotomy.

BACKGROUND: A more simplified and easier technique for the orbitozygomatic approach is sought. We have developed a new modification to fully expose the temporal base before using one-piece craniotomy. METHODS: By transposing the temporalis muscle underneath the zygomatic arch before osteotomy, the temporal base and the inferior orbital fissure can be fully exposed. Craniotomy is made in one piece with the frontotemporal and orbitozygomatic bone together by using a high-speed drill. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Osteotomy was easy and the cosmetic result was satisfactory. This technique also allows better access to the subtemporal region without removing the zygomatic arch.     

Repositioning of Cranial Bone Flaps Cut with a Diamond-Coated Threadwire Saw: 5-Year Experience with Cosmetic Cranioplasty without Fixation Devices

Artificial fixation systems for cranial bone flaps have problems related to their materials and designs. We developed an alternative technique for supratentorial craniotomy that employs a diamond-coated threadwire saw (diamond T-saw), originally developed for spinal surgery, and reduces the bone gap for fitted bone flap fixation. The study subjects were 77 adults undergoing elective supratentorial craniotomy. After placing a burr hole at each corner of the craniotomy, we performed osteotomy between adjacent burr holes to approximately one-third of the length of the osteotomy with a craniotome; this leaves a bony bridge at each corner. The diamond T-saw was introduced between adjacent burr holes through the epidural space and a bridge was cut with reciprocating strokes. On closure, the bridge firmly supports the flap and only sutures are needed for fixation. Successful bone flap fixation was obtained in all followed-up cases. There were no technique-related complications such as dural laceration, flap displacement, or resorption. Our method is ideal for bone cuts in cosmetic cranioplasty; it is easy, safe, and inexpensive and avoids the need for flap fixation with artificial devices.     

Salvage of infected craniotomy bone flaps with the wash-in, wash-out indwelling antibiotic irrigation system. Technical note and case series of 12 patients

OBJECT: When complicated by infection, craniotomy bone flaps are commonly removed, discarded, and delayed cranioplasty is performed. This treatment paradigm is costly, carries the risks associated with additional surgery, and may cause cosmetic deformities. The authors present their experience with an indwelling antibiotic irrigation system used for the sterilization and salvage of infected bone flaps as an alternative to their removal and replacement. METHODS: The authors retrospectively reviewed the medical records for 12 patients with bone flap infections following craniotomy who received treatment with the wash-in, wash-out indwelling antibiotic irrigation system. Infected flaps were removed and scrubbed with povidone-iodine solution and soaked in 1.5% hydrogen peroxide while the wound was debrided. The bone flaps were returned to the skull and the irrigation system was installed. Antibiotic medication was infused through the system for a mean of 5 days. Intravenous antibiotic therapy was continued for 2 weeks and oral antibiotics for 3 months postoperatively. Wound checks were performed at clinic follow-up visits, and there was a mean follow-up period of 13 months. Eleven of the 12 patients who had undergone placement of the bone flap irrigation system experienced complete resolution of the infection. In five patients there was involvement of the nasal sinus cavities, and in four there was a history of radiation treatment. In the one patient whose infection recurred, there was both involvement of the nasal sinuses and a history of extensive radiation treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Infected bone flaps can be salvaged, thus avoiding the cost, risk, and possible disfigurement associated with flap removal and delayed cranioplasty. Although prior radiation treatment and involvement of the nasal sinuses may interfere with wound healing and clearance of the infection, these factors should not preclude the use of irrigation with antibiotic agents for bone flap salvage.     

The latest innovations in the operation of en-bloc resection on the frontal skull base

We have organized skull base surgery teams with otolaryngologists, neurosurgeons and plastic surgeons since 1993 and managed frontal skull base malignancies by a combined transbasal and transfacial approach. However, in the maneuvers, several problems are yet to be solved in minimizing tumor recurrence and postoperative complications. We have recently developed a microscopic en-bloc resection method assisted by an endoscope, and VFOT flap (vascularized frontal outer table flap) for the reconstruction on the frontal skull base. The VFOT flap can be elevated simultaneously with bifrontal craniotomy. The pedicled calvarian bone is split, and the frontal outer table with the pericranium is placed on the frontal base defect caused by the tumor resections. Those procedures seem to be useful for skull base surgery, and easy to perform for neurosurgeons.     

Hemispheric brain volume replacement with free latissimus dorsi flap as first step in skull reconstruction

Large skull defects lead to progressive depression deformities, with resulting neurological deficits. Thus, cranioplasty with various materials is considered the first choice in therapy to restore cerebral function. A 31-year-old female presented with a massive left-sided hemispheric substance defect involving bone and brain tissue. Computed tomography showed a substantial convex defect involving the absence of calvarial bone as well as more than half of the left hemisphere of the brain, with a profound midline shift and a compression of the ventricular system. There was a severe problem due to multiple deep-skin ulcerations at the depression margin, prone to skin perforation with a probability of intracranial infection. In a first step, a free myocutaneous latissimus dorsi flap was transplanted for volume replacement of the hemispheric brain defect, and 4 months later, artificial bone substitute was implanted in order to prevent progressive vault depression deformity. Healing was uneventful, and the patient showed definite neurological improvement postoperatively. Free tissue transfer can be a valuable option in addition to cranioplasty in the treatment of large bony defects of the skull. Besides providing stable coverage for the reconstructed bone or its substitute, it can also serve as a volume replacement.