Utilization of autogenous split rib graft for cranioplasty in a child: A case report

Abstract

A cranioplasty is a surgical procedure intended to correct cranial abnormalities resulting from prior trauma or surgeries, using various materials to fill up the defect, most commonly a synthetic substance or a fragment of the patient's bone. We present a case of an 8-month-old child, presented with post-traumatic skull injury resulting from a head injury at the age of one month. On physical examination, the patient had soft swelling of the skull, that bulged out through the defect with coughing. The case was taken up for cranioplasty under general anesthesia and the defect was exposed, and the graft bed was prepared. Two rib grafts were harvested before cranioplasty that were split into two halves and spread like an open book which were enough to cover the defect. Each graft was stabilized with a titanium micro screw. In this case report we discuss a case of post-traumatic cranial defect in an 8-month patient treated with cranioplasty using split rib grafts.