Background: Osteoplastic craniotomy has been performed recently with microfixation systems such as miniplates, burr hole buttons, and/or ceramic dust. However, these are costly methods of treatment. Without the use of these devices, we performed cosmetic osteoplastic craniotomy using an inexpensive chisel and hammer.
Methods: Our osteoplastic craniotomy with a chisel and hammer was used on 19 lesions in 15 patients. Using a chisel, the bone flap was cut gently from the calvarium to the skull base, the lamina externa to the diploe (finally the lamina interna), and both ends to the midportion between two holes. The lamina interna in the cranium was trimmed easily after removal of the bone flap. The bone defect was minimal because of the absence of a narrow cutting groove and because craniectomy was not performed. The bone flap was replaced by tapping and was tightly fixed. No special fixation system was needed, except for threads.
Results: Follow-up (mean follow-up, 5 months; range, 5 weeks to 9 months) skull X-ray and 3D-CT showed good fusion and inherent normal configuration of the bone flap. There were two minor dural tears and two minor bony fractures.
Conclusion: A good cosmetic effect without the use of any additional instruments was accomplished with osteoplastic craniotomy using a chisel and hammer.