Cranioplasty using autologous calvarial bone graft in combination with titanium mesh plates for patients with a history of bone infections after initial cranioplasty

We present a modified method for reconstruction of calvarial bone defects for patients with a history of infectious complications. Three patients who had experienced implanted bone infections underwent reconstruction of calvarial bone defect. For reconstruction of the calvarial bone defects, autologous split calvarial bone grafts were used to cover the calvarial bone defect. The full or half layered fronto-parietal bone used as implants were fixed with titanium mini-plates for primary bone defect site, while the new bone defect site caused by getting autologous bone graft were covered with titanium mesh plates assisted by residual half layered calvarias. The average follow-up span of patients was 64 months. Evaluated clinical and radiologic results are stable, showing no measurable side effects. Split calvarial bone graft in combination with titanium mesh plates is recommended in patients with a history of infection or high risk of infection.