Stable Internal Fixation of Cranial Surgery

Abstract

The cranium is the structure perhaps most suited to rigid fixation with AO/ASIF implants, yet it is the structure to which these materials and methods have been least applied. The techniques for cranioplastic implant fixation, craniotomy flap fixation, and rigid fixation of depressed skull fractures described below have a number of advantages over other techniques. The AO/ASIF neurosurgical system consists of titanium screws and implants, which are extremely biocompatible, nonallergenic, lightweight, corrosion resistant, and do not interfere with present imaging modalities such as x-radiography, magnetic resonance imaging, or computed axial tomography.^1–6 These techniques provide absolute rigidity, which eliminates osseous flap depression or movement, thereby improving cosmesis, reducing discomfort, enhancing bone healing, and providing protection to the intracranial structures. The implants are strong and without memory, eliminating the problems of migrating flaps, broken wires, and erosion of fixation devices through the scalp.