Early Versus Delayed Cranioplasty After Decompressive Craniectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Key Points

• To evaluate the effects of early versus delayed cranioplasty post-decompressive craniectomy on safety and recovery outcomes.
• Conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of available studies.
• Included diverse studies on cranioplasty timing and outcomes.
• Analyzed the need for future multicenter, randomized controlled trials.
• Found mixed outcomes regarding surgical safety and functional recovery.
• Indicated that clearer outcome measures are necessary for future research.