Clinical analysis of cranioplasty using autologous bone flap after decompressive craniectomy

Wen Guodao; Wu Guiping; Zhuang Ying; Zeng Wensheng; Zhong Junxian; Wu Taofeng; Chen Xiaofeng; Wu Shengqin; Wu Jia

doi:10.11850/j.issn.1009-122X.2025.06.003

Abstract：Objective To explore the clinical efficacy and surgical details of autologous skull flap cranioplasty after decompressive craniectomy.Methods Clinical data of 96 patients who underwent autologous skull cranioplasty were analyzed retrospectively.All the patients had their autologous bone flaps preserved using bone tissue bank technology after decompressive craniectomy.Among them,there were 50 cases of spontaneous cerebral hemorrhage,40 cases of severe traumatic brain injury,and 6 cases of large cerebral infarction.Results The autologous skull flaps of all 96 patients were preserved using bone tissue bank technology.During cranioplasty,no significant defects or thinning of the bone flaps were observed,and all exhibited normal bony structures.Postoperatively,there were 2 cases of poor wound healing(1 case was cured after anti-infection treatment and scalp negative pressure suction,and 1 case required bone flap removal),and 5 cases of subcutaneous fluid accumulation(all improved with conservative treatment).There were no cases of intracranial or subcutaneous infection.During follow-up,no patients exhibited severe skull absorption,required secondary cranioplasty with artificial materials,or experienced postoperative intracranial hemorrhage.Conclusions Autologous skull cranioplasty using bone tissue bank preservation technology is a relatively safe surgical approach that maximally preserves the biological characteristics of the bone flap and demonstrates favorable clinical outcomes.Attention to meticulous surgical details is essential during autologous skull cranioplasty.