Decompressive Craniotomy in Split-Technique (DCST) for TBI in infants: Introducing a new surgical technique to prevent long-term complications

Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is rarely required in infants. These youngest patients are vulnerable to blood loss and cranial reconstruction can be challenging due to skull growth and bone flap resorption. On the other hand, infants have thin and flexible bone and osteogenic potential. We propose a new technique called DCST, which makes use of these unique aspects by achieving decompression using the circumstance of the thin and flexible bone. We describe the surgical technique and the follow up course over a period of 13 months. In our series, DCST achieved an adequate decompression and redundantized further surgeries in accordance with decompressive craniectomy.