Autologous Skull Bone Flap Sterilization After Decompressive Craniectomy: An Update.

OBJECTIVE: To report new results with ethylene oxide sterilization and new experiences with autogenous bone flaps autoclaved at a high or low temperature for preservation of a bone flap after decompressive craniectomy.

METHODS: In 45 patients who underwent a decompressive craniectomy, we determined bone flap preservation with ethylene oxide and with high- or low-temperature autoclave sterilization.

RESULTS: The bone flap was repositioned after a mean of 10 weeks in the ethylene oxide group and after 6 weeks in the other sterilization groups. A bone flap infection developed in 1 patient (2%), which required removal and subsequent methyl methacrylate cranioplasty. In 1 child, the bone flap had partially reabsorbed after 12 months. In all other patients, esthetic results were good after an average follow-up of 42 months. At follow-up, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging of the bone flap showed preservation of structural features with apparent fusion and revitalization at the bone flap margins.

CONCLUSIONS: Ethylene oxide and high- or low-temperature autoclave bone sterilization techniques for the preservation of autologous bone flaps after decompressive craniectomy were safe, rapid, and inexpensive.