Introduction: To review our results of cranioplasty with autologous bone stored at -26 degrees Celsius, with respect to the frequency of infections
Methods: A retrospective review was conducted for all cranioplasties performed at our center between January 2001 to March 2011, using autologous cryopreserved cranial bone. During this period the operative and cryopreservation protocol remained the same. All patient records including charts, notes and laboratory findings were reviewed with a specific focus to identify infections, both superficial and deep.
Results: A total of 88 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Only 3 (3.40%) patients were found to have signs of infection, of these, two patients had superficial surgical site infections which resolved with oral antibiotics (Co-Amoxiclav 1 gm BD for 7 days). However the third patient required re-exploration and washout. All three patients had complete resolution of infection with preservation of autologous bone.
Conclusions: Autologous cranioplasty without autoclaving or any other form of treatment is a safe procedure. Storage of bone flaps at -26 degrees centigrade does not predispose it to a higher risk of infections compared to lower temperatures.
Patient Care: It will add to the existing literature and vouch towards cost cutting by replacing sophisticated methods of bone storage and the use of artifical materials for cranioplasty
Learning Objectives: By the end of the presentation, participants would be able to 1. Describe the indications of Cranioplasty 2. Describe various forms of Cranioplasty 3. Describe the supposed advantages of pretreatment of autologogous bone and 4. Describe the supposed advantages of storage of bone flaps at sub freezing temperatures.