Objective: Depressed skull fractures (DSF) with operation indications should be paid with enough attention because they have several complications and can influence esthetics. The optimal surgical method for DSF remains unclear. We explored the merits of dissociate bone flap cranioplasty.
Patients and methods: From July 2006 to August 2012, we performed 30 craniotomies on patients with DSF, which were divided into 2 groups: 1 group, which consisted of 18 patients, underwent dissociate bone cranioplasty; the other 12 patients underwent lever-up cranioplasty. A helical computed tomographic scan was routinely obtained after the operation and a 3-dimensional technique was performed on some patients to evaluate the postoperative condition of the flap.
Results: Dissociate bone flap cranioplasty was performed on the 18 patients [11 men, 7 women: age, 26-70 (41) y]. No complications were observed in these patients. Lever-up cranioplasty was applied in the 12 patients [8 men, 4 women: age, 19-60 (41.8) y]; 2 patients had wound infection and 2 emerged with epidural hematoma. Obvious statistical significance of stability (P = 0.013) and position (P = 0.015) was found between the 2 methods.
Conclusions: Dissociate bone flap cranioplasty is safer, more flexible, has less complications, and has better plasticity. We advocate the use of bone flap cranioplasty in dealing with DSF.