The utility of calcium phosphate cement in cranioplasty following retromastoid craniectomy for cranial neuralgias

BACKGROUND: Following retromastoid craniectomy for microvascular decompression of the fifth or seventh cranial nerve, the preferred method and value of cranioplasty remains disputed. METHODS: In this study, we report the functional outcome of calcium phosphate cranioplasty following first-time microvascular decompression in 79 consecutive patients who underwent operations over a one-year period. RESULTS: No patient experienced a deep infection, cerebrospinal fluid leak or undue incisional pain at long-term follow-up. Additionally, all patients stated that they were satisfied with the cosmetic outcome. DISCUSSION: Although this technique is unlikely to affect the rates of infection and postoperative pain, we believe that the low rate of CSF leak provides a unique advantage over other currently used methods of closing retromastoid craniectomies.