Frontal Cranioplasty with Vascularized Split-iliac Crest Bone Flap

Abstract

Summary:. Defects of the frontal bone require thoughtful consideration of reconstructive material to satisfy the aesthetic and functional demands of the region, as well as the anatomic adjacency to the frontal sinus. Some cases may be further complicated by a suboptimal operative field due to prior radiation, reconstructive procedures, or infection. Vascularized bone offers an ideal option to successfully reconstruct bony defects in harsh wound beds. Here, we report the case of a 47-year-old man with adenoid cystic carcinoma who underwent secondary reconstruction of the frontal bone with a split-iliac crest bone flap based on the deep circumflex iliac artery. The patient’s course following an initial ablative procedure was complicated by recurrent periorbital cellulitis, radiation, and eventual recurrence of the malignancy. Reconstructive requirements included restoration of the superior orbital rim, cranialization of the frontal sinus, and reconstruction of a sizeable frontal bone defect. In this setting, the iliac crest served as an excellent reconstructive option owing to its natural curvature and large surface area. The split-iliac crest deep circumflex iliac artery bone flap offers a robust and valuable reconstructive option for calvarial defects in hostile surgical fields.