SERVICES
Skull Reconstruction/Restoration
BRAIN
SPINAL CORD
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
What is skull reconstruction?
Surgery to repair a damaged skull as a result of a traumatic injury can occur through the use of implants made from alloplastic material as well as free flaps and grafts.
What skull reconstructive procedures are there?
A cranioplasty aims to repair a bone defect present in a person’s skull. Although there are many types of cranioplasty surgeries, all involve elevating the scalp, like lifting a cap and restoring the shape of the skull.
Dr Madumo uses a graft made from materials which include:
- A titanium plate
- Bone-like fluid
- An implant made from biomaterial customised to accommodate the skull's shape and size.
Traditional cranioplasties have been performed over many years, and all procedures involve removing all five layers of the scalp to fix the implant in place and restore the skull’s contour. However, a new, less invasive way of reconstructing the skull consists of only peeling away three scalp layers and securing the implant between the lower layers to safeguard the brain.
Why do we perform a cranioplasty?
Typically any breakage in the skull increases the risk of direct impact or damage to the brain. A cranioplasty is a procedure done to protect the brain, preserve neurological function, improve the shape of the skull and treat frequent migraines.
What does a cranioplasty involve?
A cranioplasty happens under general anaesthetic inside the doctor’s operating room. The patient remains in a position that makes surgery easier to perform and access the area that requires reconstruction. The site where the incision is made is first cleaned using antiseptic fluid. Then, using an anaesthetic to numb the region, Dr Madumo cuts through the skin in the scalp and divides it into layers to safeguard the brain's protective covering, the dura mater.
After cleaning the border of the bone, Dr Madumo prepares the site to receive the implant and uses screws and plates to attach the implant to the cranial bones. After the implant is adequately secured, the scalp is placed back in its original position, and nylon sutures are used to seal the area. At times, a drain is necessary to expel fluid from the site.
What does recovery involve?
Within an hour after a cranioplasty, the patient is taken to the neurosurgical intensive care ward to recuperate. In addition, the medical team monitors the patient’s vital signs, blood pressure, balance, muscle strength and level of awareness. Over time, the patient will notice an improvement in their movements and can gradually return to their normal activities.
What is skull reconstruction?
Surgery to repair a damaged skull as a result of a traumatic injury can occur through the use of implants made from alloplastic material as well as free flaps and grafts.
What skull reconstructive procedures are there?
A cranioplasty aims to repair a bone defect present in a person’s skull. Although there are many types of cranioplasty surgeries, all involve elevating the scalp, like lifting a cap and restoring the shape of the skull.
Dr Madumo uses a graft made from materials which include:
- A titanium plate
- Bone-like fluid
- An implant made from biomaterial customised to accommodate the skull's shape and size.
Traditional cranioplasties have been performed over many years, and all procedures involve removing all five layers of the scalp to fix the implant in place and restore the skull’s contour. However, a new, less invasive way of reconstructing the skull consists of only peeling away three scalp layers and securing the implant between the lower layers to safeguard the brain.
Why do we perform a cranioplasty?
Typically any breakage in the skull increases the risk of direct impact or damage to the brain. A cranioplasty is a procedure done to protect the brain, preserve neurological function, improve the shape of the skull and treat frequent migraines.
What does a cranioplasty involve?
A cranioplasty happens under general anaesthetic inside the doctor’s operating room. The patient remains in a position that makes surgery easier to perform and access the area that requires reconstruction. The site where the incision is made is first cleaned using antiseptic fluid. Then, using an anaesthetic to numb the region, Dr Madumo cuts through the skin in the scalp and divides it into layers to safeguard the brain's protective covering, the dura mater.
After cleaning the border of the bone, Dr Madumo prepares the site to receive the implant and uses screws and plates to attach the implant to the cranial bones. After the implant is adequately secured, the scalp is placed back in its original position, and nylon sutures are used to seal the area. At times, a drain is necessary to expel fluid from the site.
What does recovery involve?
Within an hour after a cranioplasty, the patient is taken to the neurosurgical intensive care ward to recuperate. In addition, the medical team monitors the patient’s vital signs, blood pressure, balance, muscle strength and level of awareness. Over time, the patient will notice an improvement in their movements and can gradually return to their normal activities.