Reconstruction of a skull base fracture due to traumatic head injury

Abstract

In cases of traumatic skull fracture with laceration of the dura mater, complete closure and cosmetic cranioplasty are necessary to prevent delayed cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks and infection. This is the case of a 6-year-old boy who was hospitalized after a motor vehicle accident. Brain computed tomography (CT) showed traumatic intracranial hemorrhage and multiple skull fractures. He was referred to our hospital for surgical intervention. Bone fragments were removed from the right frontal lobe and the orbit. Complete closure of the lacerated dura mater was performed using transplants from the pericranium, fibrin glue, and absorbable polyglycolic acid sheets. Furthermore, cosmetic cranioplasty was performed using hydroxyapatite ceramic implants. His postoperative prognosis was favorable without surgical complications including delayed CSF leaks or infection. This case was presented to highlight the importance of complete closure of the lacerated dura mater and to demonstrate the efficacy of hydroxyapatite ceramic implants during cosmetic cranioplasty among pediatric patients.