Immediate Titanium Mesh Implantation for Patients with Postcraniotomy Neurosurgical Site Infections: Safe and Aesthetic Alternative Procedure?

Immediate Titanium Mesh Cranioplasty After Debridement and Craniectomy for Postcraniotomy Surgical Site Infections and Risk Factors for Reoperation

BACKGROUND

We previously published a novel strategy for management of postcraniotomy bone flap infection consisting of single stage debridement, bone flap removal, and immediate titanium mesh cranioplasty.

METHODS

Postcraniotomy patients with surgical site infections treated with surgical debridement, bone flap removal, and immediate titanium mesh cranioplasty were retrospectively reviewed. The primary outcome measure was reoperation due to persistent infection or wound healing complications from the titanium mesh.

RESULTS

We included 48 patients, of which 15 (31.3%) were female. The most common primary diagnoses were glioblastoma (31.3%), meningioma (18.8%), and vascular/trauma (16.7%). Most patients had a history of same-site craniotomy prior to the surgery complicated by surgical site infection and 47.9% had prior cranial radiation. Thirty-six (75.0%) patients achieved resolution of their infection and did not require a second operation. Twelve (25.0%) patients required reoperation: 6 (12.5%) patients were found to have frank intraoperative purulence on reoperation, whereas 6 (12.5%) had reoperation for poor wound healing without any evidence of persistent infection. Cochran Armitage trend test revealed that patients with increasing number of wound healing risk factors had significantly higher risk of reoperation (P = 0.001). Prior intensity modulated radiotherapy alone was a significant risk factor for reoperation (6.5 [1.40-30.31], P = 0.002). Median follow-up time was 20.5 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

Immediate titanium mesh cranioplasty at the time of debridement and bone flap removal is an acceptable option in the management of post-craniotomy bone flap infection. Patients with multiple wound healing risk factors are at higher risk for reoperation.

Biomimetic Design of Double-Sided Functionalized Silver Nanoparticle/Bacterial Cellulose/Hydroxyapatite Hydrogel Mesh for Temporary Cranioplasty

A structurally stable and antibacterial biomaterial used for temporary cranioplasty with guided bone regeneration (GBR) effects is an urgent clinical requirement. Herein, we reported the design of a biomimetic Ag/bacterial cellulose/hydroxyapatite (Ag/BC@HAp) hydrogel mesh with a double-sided functionalized structure, in which one layer was dense and covered with Ag nanoparticles and the other layer was porous and anchored with hydroxyapatite (HAp) via mineralization for different durations. Such a double-sided functionalized design endowed the hydrogel with distinguished antibacterial activities for inhibiting potential infections and GBR effects that could prevent endothelial cells and fibroblasts from migrating to a defected area and meanwhile show biocompatibility to MC3T3-E1 preosteoblasts. Furthermore, it was found from in vivo experimental results that the Ag/BC@HAp hydrogel with 7-day mineralization achieved optimal GBR effects by improving barrier functions toward these undesired cells. Moreover, this BC-based hydrogel mesh showed an extremely low swelling ratio and strong mechanical strength, which facilitated the protection of soft brain tissues without gaining the risk of intracranial pressure increase. In a word, this study offers a new approach to double-sided functionalized hydrogels and provides effective and safe biomaterials used for temporary cranioplasty with antibacterial abilities and GBR effects.

Single-Stage Titanium Mesh Cranioplasty for the Treatment of Depressed Skull Fractures

BACKGROUND

Historically, depressed skull fractures that warranted surgery were treated in 2 stages: the first stage involved debridement and craniectomy, followed by the second stage of delayed cranioplasty. More recently, single-stage autologous cranioplasty has been proven to be safe. However, there is a paucity of literature regarding single-stage titanium mesh cranioplasty when autologous repair is not possible.

METHODS

A retrospective review identified 22 patients who underwent single-stage titanium mesh cranioplasty for the acute treatment of comminuted depressed skull fractures. Fracture location, fracture etiology, timing of surgery, neurologic complications, infection, and cosmetic deformity were recorded. Average follow-up was 9 months.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 34 years (range: 3-77); 83% were male. Seventeen (77%) involved the frontal bone, with 7 (32%) involving the frontal sinus. Eighteen (82%) had open defects at presentation. Sixteen (73%) were neurologically normal. Average time from presentation to repair was 11 hours (range: 1-28 hours). There were no neurologic worsening, seizures, or infections postoperatively. Antibiotic prophylaxis was prescribed in 13 cases (57%). One patient required revision surgery for persistent cosmetic deformity.

CONCLUSIONS

Autologous cranioplasty for depressed skull fractures is not always possible especially in cases of significant comminution. From our case series, single-stage titanium mesh cranioplasty appears to be a safe option.

Comparison of Infection Rates Following Immediate and Delayed Cranioplasty for Postcraniotomy Surgical Site Infections: Results of a Meta-Analysis

Postoperative surgical site infections (SSIs) in neurosurgery are rare. However, they pose a formidable challenge to the treating neurosurgeon and substantially worsen patient outcomes. These infections require prompt intervention in the form of débridement, including removal of craniotomy bone. Reconstruction of the craniotomy defect can be performed along with the débridement or can be performed at a later time. Although there have been concerns about performing cranioplasty at the same time as débridement, recent studies have advocated performance of cranioplasty at the same time as the débridement, as it avoids the morbidity associated with having a craniectomy defect and avoids the need for another surgical procedure. We conducted a literature review and meta-analysis to examine the data on immediate cranioplasties and delayed cranioplasties performed for postcraniotomy SSIs. We analyzed 15 articles with a total of 353 patients. Our analysis revealed that the pooled proportion of treatment failure was 10.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 5.9%-17.8%) when an immediate cranioplasty was done and 16.1% (95% CI 7.2%-32.1%) when delayed cranioplasty was done. The pooled proportion of treatment failure was 12% (95% CI 5.9%-22.9%) when the same bone was used for cranioplasty and was 8% (95% CI 3%-20%) when prosthetic material such as titanium was used for cranial vault reconstruction. Thus, the rate of treatment failure was less when an immediate single-stage cranioplasty was done compared with a delayed cranioplasty following SSIs.

Decision-Making in Adult Cranial Vault Reconstruction

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After studying this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Define and classify different types of cranial defects 2. Compare both autologous and alloplastic options for reconstruction 3. Develop an optimal approach for cranial vault reconstruction in various clinical scenarios.

SUMMARY

Defects of the cranium result from various causes, including traumatic loss, neurosurgical intervention, skull tumors, and infection. Cranial vault reconstruction aims to restore both the structural integrity and surface morphology of the skull. To ensure a successful outcome, the choice of appropriate cranioplasty reconstruction will vary primarily based on the cause, location, and size of the defect. Other relevant factors that must be considered include adequacy of soft-tissue coverage, presence of infection, and previous or planned radiation therapy. This article presents an algorithm for the reconstruction of various cranial defects using both autologous and alloplastic techniques, with a comparison of their advantages and disadvantages.

Comparison of two different titanium cranioplasty methods: Custom-made titanium prostheses versus precurved titanium mesh

Background:

The aim of this study was to compare the results of two different titanium cranioplasties for reconstructing skull defects: standard precurved mesh versus custom-made prostheses.

Methods:

Retrospective analysis of 23 patients submitted to titanium cranioplasty between January 2014 and January 2019. Ten patients underwent delayed cranioplasty using custom-made prostheses; and 13 patients were treated using precurved titanium mesh (ten delayed cranioplasties, and three single-stage resection- reconstructions). Demographic, clinical, and radiological data were recorded. Results and complications of the two methods were compared, including duration of surgery, cosmetic results (visual analog scale for cosmesis [VASC]), and costs of the implants.

Results:

Complications: one epidural hematoma in the custom-made group, one delayed failure in precurved group due to wound dehiscence with mesh exposure. There were no infections in either group. All custom-made prostheses perfectly fitted on the defect; eight of 13 precurved mesh prostheses incompletely covered the defect. Custom-made cranioplasty obtained better cosmetic results (average VASC 94 vs. 68), shorter surgical time (141min vs. 186min), and -fewer screws was needed to fix the prostheses in place (6 vs. 15). However, satisfactory results were obtained using precurved mesh in cases of small defects and in single-stage reconstruction. Precurved mesh was found to be cheaper (€1,500 vs. €5,500).

Conclusion:

Custom-made cranioplasty obtained better results and we would suggest that this should be a first choice, particularly for young patients with a large cranial defect. Precurved mesh was cheaper and useful for single-stage resection-reconstruction. Depending on the individual conditions, both prostheses have their place in cranioplasty therapies.

Timing of cranial reconstruction after cranioplasty infections: are we ready for a re-thinking? A comparative analysis of delayed versus immediate cranioplasty after debridement in a series of 48 patients

The optimal management of cranioplasty infections remains a matter of debate. Most authors have suggested that the infected bone/implant removal is mandatory, combined with prolonged antibiotic therapy before reconstruction. However, failures can occur, even with 12-18-month intervals between the surgeries. Longer wait times before cranial reconstruction increase the risks of socioeconomic burdens and further complications, as observed in decompressed patients hosting shunts. In our department, we treated 48 cranioplasty infections over a period of 8 years, divided into two groups. For Group A (n = 26), the treatment consisted of cranioplasty removal and debridement, followed by a delayed reconstruction. Group B (n = 22) received 2 weeks of broad-spectrum antibiotics, followed by an "aggressive" field debridement and immediate cranioplasty. All patients received a minimum of 8 weeks of post-operative antibiotic therapy and were scheduled for clinic-radiological follow-ups for at least 36 months. Significant differences were observed between Groups A and B with respect to the number of failures (respectively 7 versus 1), the global operative time (significantly longer for Group B), germ identification (respectively 7 versus 13), and the overall length of hospital stay (on average, 61.04 days in Group A versus 47.41 days in Group B). Three shunted patients in Group A developed sinking flap syndrome. Shunt resetting allowed symptom control until cranioplasty in one subject, whereas two did not improve, even after reconstruction. In selected patients, an aggressive field debridement, followed by the immediate replacement of an infected cranioplasty, may represent a safe and valuable option.

Single-Stage Reconstruction with Titanium Mesh for Compound Comminuted Depressed Skull Fracture

Objective

Traditionally, staged surgery has been preferred in the treatment of compound comminuted depressed fracture (FCCD) after traumatic brain injury (TBI) and involves the removal of primarily damaged bone and subsequent cranioplasty. The main reason for delayed cranioplasty was to reduce the risk of infection-related complications. Here, the author performed immediate reconstruction using a titanium mesh in consecutive patients with FCCD after TBI, reported the surgical results, and reviewed previous studies.

Methods

Nineteen consecutive patients who underwent single-stage reconstruction with titanium mesh for FCCD of the skull from April 2014 to June 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. The demographic and radiological characteristics of the patients with FCCD were investigated. The characteristics associated with surgery and outcome were also evaluated.

Results

The frequency of TBI in men (94.7%) was significantly higher than that in women. Most FCCDs (73.7%) occurred during work, the rest were caused by traffic accidents. The mean interval between TBI and surgery was 7.0±3.9 hours. The median Glasgow coma scale score was 15 (range, 8–15) at admission and 15 (range, 10–15) at discharge. FCCD was frequently located in the frontal (57.9%) and parietal (31.6%) bones than in other regions. Of the patients with FCCDs in the frontal bone, 62.5% had paranasal sinus injury. There were five patients with fractures of orbital bone, and they were easily reconstructed using titanium mesh. These patients were cosmetically satisfied. Postoperatively, antibiotics were used for an average of 12.6 days. The mean hospital stay was 17.6±7.5 days (range, 8–33). There was no postoperative seizure or complications, such as infection.

Conclusion

Immediate bony fragments replacement and reconstruction with reconstruction titanium mesh for FCCD did not increase infectious sequelae, even though FCCD involved sinus. This suggests that immediate single-stage reconstruction with titanium mesh for FCCD is a suitable surgical option with potential benefits in terms of cost-effectiveness, safety, and cosmetic and psychological outcomes.

The Timing of Alloplastic Cranioplasty in the Setting of Previous Osteomyelitis

BACKGROUND

Management of cranial osteomyelitis is challenging and often includes débridement of infected bone and delayed alloplastic cranioplasty. However, the optimal interval between the removal of infected bone and definitive reconstruction remains controversial. The authors investigated the optimal time for definitive reconstruction and factors influencing cranioplasty reinfection.

METHODS

A retrospective review of 111 alloplastic cranioplasties for osteomyelitis between 2002 and 2015 was performed. Patients were divided into four subgroups based on timing of reconstruction: group 1, less than 3 months; group 2, 3 to 6 months; group 3, 6 to 12 months; and group 4, more than 12 months. Multivariate logistic regression was used to calculate the probability of cranioplasty reinfection based on risk factors. Median follow-up was 45.9 months (range, 12.4 to 136.9 months).

RESULTS

The combined reinfection rate was 23.4 percent. The reinfection rate in group 1 was 39.6 percent; group 2, 12.5 percent; group 3, 8.0 percent; and group 4, 0.0 percent (p < 0.001). The mean interval between the infected bone removal and cranioplasty was shorter in patients with reinfection than in patients without reinfection (2.2 ± 3.9 months versus 6.1 ± 8.3 months; p < 0.001). The strongest independent predictors of reinfection were chemotherapy (OR, 10.1; 95 percent CI, 2.9 to 35.2), composite defect requiring scalp reconstruction at the time of cranioplasty (OR, 3.3; 95 percent CI, 1.2 to 8.9), and early reconstruction. Each month of delay in reconstruction reduced the reinfection rate by 10 percent (OR, 0.9 per each month of delay; 95 percent CI, 0.8 to 1.0). Cranioplasty material was not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Early alloplastic cranioplasty following osteomyelitis carries an unacceptably high risk of reinfection. This risk decreases by 10 percent with each month of delay. The authors' regression model can be used to predict the probability of reinfection for all time periods.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, III.

The Role of Free Tissue Transfer in the Management of Chronic Frontal Sinus Osteomyelitis

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

Chronic frontal sinus infection is managed with a combination of medical and surgical interventions. Frontal bone osteomyelitis due to recurrent infection following trauma or prior open surgery may require more significant debridement. Free tissue transfer may allow for extensive debridement with replacement of tissue, and definitive eradication of osteomyelitis.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective chart review.

METHODS

Patients undergoing free flap obliteration of the frontal sinus for frontal bone osteomyelitis at a single institution were included in the study. Clinical, radiologic, and surgical data were collected. Surgeries before and after free flap obliteration were compared by Wilcoxon signed rank test.

RESULTS

Fifteen patients were identified; however, one patient had less than 6 months of follow-up and was excluded from analysis. Of the remaining 14 patients, mean follow-up duration was 26 months (range, 6-120 months). Mean number of surgeries prior to free flap was 3.7 (range, 1-8 surgeries). Free flap obliteration resolved chronic frontal sinusitis in all patients. Two patients experienced postoperative infection, and the overall complication rate was 29%. Eight patients underwent cranioplasty (six immediate, two delayed) without complication. All patients received planned courses of postoperative antibiotics. A statistically significant decrease in the number of surgeries after free flap obliteration was observed P ≤ .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Extensive debridement followed by free tissue transfer and antibiotics offers a definitive treatment for complicated, recurrent frontal osteomyelitis. Simultaneous cranioplasty provides immediate protective and aesthetic benefit without complication. Consideration should be given for free tissue transfer and cranioplasty earlier in the algorithm for treatment of refractory frontal sinus osteomyelitis.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 129:1497-1504, 2019.

Immediate Cranioplasty for Postcranioplasty Infection in Patients with Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt

BACKGROUND

Patients with a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt tend to develop epidural fluid accumulation after cranioplasty and also have a higher frequency of syndrome of the trephined after bone flap removal. Thus treatment of patients with postcranioplasty infection and a VP shunt is often challenging.

CASE DESCRIPTION

We treated 2 patients with postcranioplasty infection and a VP shunt. One patient had undergone decompressive craniectomy for cerebral hemorrhage, and the other patient had a large frontal dead space following resection of a brain tumor. Both patients were treated by immediate cranioplasty with obliteration of the epidural dead space by using a vascularized free latissimus dorsi muscle flap. In both of them, the postoperative course was uneventful without any complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Immediate cranioplasty and obliteration of the epidural dead space with a vascularized free latissimus dorsi muscle flap is an alternative for patients with postcranioplasty infection who are unfavorable candidates for temporary bone flap removal because of the risk of neurologic deterioration.