Frontotemporal Craniotomy for Clipping of Unruptured Aneurysm Using a Diamond-Coated Thread Wire Saw and Reconstruction Using Calcium Phosphate Cement without Metal Fixation

Abstract

Metal fixation systems for cranial bone flaps cut by a drill are convenient devices for cranioplasty, but cause several complications. We use modified craniotomy using a fine diamond-coated threadwire saw (diamond T-saw) to reduce the bone defect, and osteoplasty calcium phosphate cement without metal fixation. We report our outcomes and tips of this method. A total of 78 consecutive patients underwent elective frontotemporal craniotomy for clipping of unruptured intracranial aneurysms between 2015 and 2019. The follow-up periods ranged from 13 to 66 months. The bone fixation state was evaluated by bone computed tomography (CT) and three-dimensional CT (3D-CT). The diamond T-saw could minimize the bone defect. Only one wound infection occurred within 1 week postoperatively, and no late infection. No pain, palpable/cosmetically noticeable displacement of the bone flap, fluid accumulations, or other complications were observed. The condition of bone fixation and the cosmetic efficacy were thoroughly satisfactory for all patients, and bone CT and 3D-CT demonstrated that good bone fusion. No complication typical of metal fixation occurred. Our method is technically easy and safety, and achieved good mid-term bone flap fixation in the mid-term course, so has potential for bone fixation without the use of metal plates.

Keywords

• calcium phosphate cement
• cranioplasty
• craniotomy
• diamond-coated thread wire saw
• metal fixation