Imaging after titanium cranioplasty

Br J Neurosurg. 1994;8(4):409-14. doi: 10.3109/02688699408995107.

Abstract

Titanium cranioplasty has been used in our unit for reconstruction of cranial defects following trauma, tumour resection and bone loss due to postcraniotomy infection. It has previously been assumed that imaging to assess recurrence of disease progression after cranioplasty would be severely compromised in the presence of metallic material. Titanium is a non-ferrous metal of low atomic number, which is relatively radiolucent and allows exceptionally clear images to be obtained without significant degradation of image quality, on CT and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Cases are presented that demonstrate the use of CT contrast cisternography and MR imaging after titanium cranioplasty. On the basis of its strength, biocompatibility and excellent handling characteristics, allied to its suitability for all post-operative imaging techniques, we conclude that titanium plate is the material of choice for cranioplasty.

MeSH terms

  • Brain Diseases / diagnosis
  • Brain Diseases / surgery*
  • Brain Injuries / diagnosis
  • Brain Injuries / surgery*
  • Brain Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Brain Neoplasms / surgery
  • Craniotomy / methods*
  • Glioma / diagnosis
  • Glioma / surgery
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Materials Testing
  • Meningeal Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Meningeal Neoplasms / surgery
  • Meningioma / diagnosis
  • Meningioma / surgery
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / diagnosis
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / surgery
  • Pneumoencephalography
  • Postoperative Complications / diagnosis*
  • Prostheses and Implants*
  • Reoperation
  • Surgical Wound Infection / diagnosis
  • Surgical Wound Infection / surgery
  • Titanium*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*

Substances

  • Titanium