Paediatric cranioplasty: A review

Abstract Objective This study reviews the current literature for the optimal material to use in paediatric cranioplasty surgeries. Materials and methods A search of Medline (Ovid)/PubMed/Scopus was undertaken to assess the current methods in use for the reconstruction of cranial defects in paediatric patients. The search terms used were: cranioplasty”, calvarial reconstruction”, “cranial defect, “allograft”, “biomaterial”, “methyl methacrylate,” “titanium,” “hydroxyapatite,” all in association with “paediatric,” “adolescent,” or “infant.” Articles were limited to materials published from 2005 onwards. Results The above search identified 7104 papers relating to paediatric cranioplasty published after 2005, of which 7070 did not meet inclusion criteria. The remaining 34 papers were included in this review. Conclusion An ideal material for cranioplasty, especially in the paediatric age group, has not been established based on the available evidence. The current trend in practice appears to be the use of particulate bone grafts or exchange cranioplasty in infants. In older children, custom made implants using titanium or hydroxyapatite have been used successfully.