Outcome of Severe Traumatic Head Injury in Children

Abstract

Objective:  The purpose of this study was to report on the result and complications of titanium mesh cranioplasty in patients with trauma. Materials and Methods:  The patients who underwent craniectomy previously for acute subdural hematomas (20 cases) or depressed fractures (40 cases) following RTA (road traffic accidents) were included in the study. Titanium mesh was placed on the skull defect 3 – 6 months later in the private hospitals of Quetta. The resulting complications were reported. Results:  There were 50 male and 10 female patients. The majority (66.66%) of patients were from the age group 15 – 40 years. The majority of patients (83.33%) did not develop any complications. 8.3% of patients had wound infections, 3.3%had mesh exposures, 1.6% developed loosening screws and 1.6% had mesh indentation due to external pressure. Conclusion:  This study concludes that there are few patients (< 20%) who develop complications after cranioplasty. The study’s findings will assist neurosurgeons in the clinical decision-making process. Keywords:  Titanium Mesh Cranioplasty, Acute Subdural Hematoma, Road Traffic Accident, Depressed Fractures.