Cranioplasty

What it is:

A surgical procedure to repair or reshape defects in the skull caused by trauma, previous brain surgery, congenital conditions, or infection. It restores skull integrity using bone grafts or synthetic implants like titanium, PEEK, or PMMA.

Symptoms:

Patients may experience headaches, neurological deficits, cosmetic deformities, or brain vulnerability due to missing skull bone. Cranioplasty can improve brain protection, function, and appearance. 

Treatment:

Performed under general anesthesia, the procedure involves lifting the scalp, preparing the defect site, and securing the implant or bone graft with plates or screws. Recovery typically takes 1–3 months, with risks including infection, bleeding, seizures, or stroke.