Cranioplasty with Titanium Plate

From January, 1969 to May, 1986, 114 titanium plate cranioplasties were performed following decompressive craniotomies, removal of skull tumors and for repair of depressed or comminuted skull fractures. The patients were 70 males and 44 females ranging in age from 6 months to 74 years, and the longest follow-up period was 11 years. Infection developed in only two cases (1.8%), tissue reaction was insignificant, and subgaleal fluid collection was rare. The titanium plate is relatively radiolucent and nonferromagnetic. Therefore, there was little chance of artifacts that might prevent proper interpretation of angiograms, computed tomograms, electroencephalograms, and magnetic resonance imaging. Three plates were dented inward as a result of injury at the cranioplasty site, but no significant symptoms occurred. The titanium plate is economical and easy to handle, and this long-term follow-up study confirmed its advantages as an alloplastic material.