An Intact Periosteum is Required for Recombinant Human Jagged1 Guided Bone Regeneration in Calvaria Critical-size Defect Healing.

The need to promote calvaria bone healing as a consequence of injury or craniotomy is a major clinical issue. Previous reports tested recombinant human Jagged1 (rhJagged1) treatment for critical-size calvaria defects in the absence of periosteum, and this resulted in significant new bone formation. As the periosteum contributes to healing by serving as a source of progenitor cells, the present study aimed to examine whether significantly more bone is formed when the periosteum is intact for using rhJagged1 to treat critical-size parietal bone defects in mice. Fifteen healthy adult mice, 34 to 65 weeks of age, 26.9 to 48.2 g, were divided into different groups that compared the critical-size defects treated with either phosphate-buffered saline or rhJagged1 protein in either the presence or absence of periosteum. The results indicated that more bone was formed in the presence of periosteum when rhJagged1 is delivered [35% bone volume per tissue volume (BV/TV); P = 0.02] relative to nonperiosteum. Recombinant human Jagged1 protein delivered in the absence of periosteum had the next most new bone formed (25% BV/TV). Defects with phosphate-buffered saline delivered in the absence or presence of periosteum had the least new bone formed (15% and 18% BV/TV, respectively; P = 0.48). The results also show that rhJagged1 does not form ectopic or hypertrophic bone. The usage of rhJagged1 to treat critical-size defects in calvaria is promising clinically, but to maximize clinical efficacy it will require that the periosteum be intact on the noninjured portions of calvaria.

Single Step Resection-Reconstruction Using Precurved Titanium Mesh of a Giant Intradiploic Meningioma Mimicking Bone Malignancy: Technical Note.

Intradiploic meningiomas are rare neoplasms, often mistaken for metastases or malignant bone tumors. Surgical management can be challenging, considering their diffusive bony invasion. Two main critical decisions need to be taken: the timing for cranial vault reconstruction and the choice of the adequate material for cranioplasty. We believe that this case underscores the complexity of such lesions, the importance of a prompt devascularization, and the pivotal role of an immediate reconstruction to avoid the additional morbidity of a re-do surgery. Here, we report a case of 68-year-old men who presented with slow growing right parietal bone swelling he noted many years before, but for which he didn't seek medical attentions, associated with mild contralateral hemiparesis. Neuroradiological examinations revealed a giant extradural intradiploic tumor affecting the right temporo-parietal bone and conditioning significant compression of the underlying brain. We planned a surgical strategy to deafferent the tumor and to reduce the intraoperative bleeding. At first, a circumferential craniectomy centered upon the lesion was performed, then it was devascularized by means of surgical ligation of the ipsilateral superficial temporal artery (STA) and middle meningeal artery (MMA); these steps allowed a subsequent en block tumor excision, despite its large size, without significant blood loss and respecting the oncological principles. At the end, a contextual calvarial reconstruction was performed using a precurved titanium mesh. The patient was discharged seven days after surgery with complete recovery of the left-sided motor deficit. Thereafter, he underwent scheduled outpatient evaluations and radiological examinations. At 1-year follow-up, the Modified Rankin Scale (MRS) was 1, with no evidence of recurrent disease. To conclude, surgical complications can be reduced adopting an optimal preoperative work-up and a tailored surgical strategy focused on early tumor deafferentation. Moreover, an immediate cranial vault reconstruction avoids the risks related to a second procedure.

Comparison of the Effect of Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP) and Fat Graft on Autologous Bone Grafting in a Randomized-controlled Experimental Skull Model.

Gold standard method for the treatment of critical-sized bone defects is the autogenous bone grafting procedure. A number of new and potentially useful adjuncts currently are being investigated to enhance the success of bone grafting. We propose to evaluate the effect of the most known and easily obtained 2 biological materials, fat graft and platelet-rich plasma (PRP), on bone graft healing. Twenty-seven New Zealand male rabbits were included in this randomized, controlled study. Two-sided 15-mm diameter bone defects were created in the parietal bones and the bones taken were replaced right-to-left and vice versa with 1 control group, 1 fat graft applied group, and the last one PRP applied group. Histologic evaluation and 3-dimensional maxillofacial computerized tomography were performed and bone density was calculated. In radiologic analysis, bone density was significantly different in the PRP group compared with the control and fat graft group in the 12th week ( P <0.05). In histologic scoring analysis, the PRP group had a better score than the control and fat graft group, while the fat graft group was worse than the control group in the 6th week ( P <0.05). The addition of PRP had a positive effect whereas fat graft had a negative effect on bone graft healing compared with the control group.

[Topographic study of the parietal region for the elaboration of revascularized cranium vault autograft]. / Izuchenie topografo-anatomicheskikh osobennostei temennoi oblasti pri razrabotke revaskulyariziruemogo kostno-fastsial'nogo temennogo autotransplantata.

OBJECTIVE: Topographic and blood vessel architecture study of the parietal area and distal regional pool of the superficial temporal artery (STA) to assess the possibility of revascularized cranium vault bone autograft formation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: For the topographic and anatomical study, 30 non-fixed corpses (17 male and 13 female) were selected, the average age of which was 59±5 years. In the anamnesis and catamnesis, there were no indications of trauma or other pathology of the head and neck, including vascular. STA was contrasted with a non-radiocontrast dye (brilliant green) with the introduction of the dye into the STA with preliminary ligation of the frontal branch of the STA. The area of blood supply to soft tissue and bone structures was studied. The angioarchitectonics of the parietal region was studied, the feeding vessel of the studied flap was identified. RESULTS: The obtained anatomical landmarks for the collection of CPFP flap make it possible to form a flap with high accuracy and minimize the morbidity of the donor area.

Traumatic Brain Injury in Patient with Biparietal Thinning.

A 77-year-old man presented with progressive consciousness disturbance, presumably caused by a backward fall. Head computed tomography findings showed a large intracerebral hemorrhage in the left parietal lobe. Radiated fractures with an oval depression of the bilateral parietal bone crossing the midline were noted. Surgical evacuation of the hemorrhage was performed via a left-sided parietal craniotomy, during which fragments from the fracture with eggshell-like thinning were noted. Biparietal thinning is an uncommon condition noted in radiological findings of a symmetrical oval depression of bilateral parietal bones with reduced diploe thickness. Cases of traumatic brain injury in patients with biparietal thinning have rarely been reported. This condition should be recognized as a possible predisposing factor for traumatic brain injury.

Repair of Congenital Enlarged Parietal Foramina With Porous Polyethylene Implants.

Enlarged biparietal foramina is an autosomal dominant disorder that is caused by a failure of completion of ossification within the parietal bones. Enlarged parietal foramina measuring more than a few millimeters are uncommon. Even though spontaneous regression has been described, closure is rarely complete, and depending on the size of the resulting defect, an unprotected brain is a concern. There are few reports on the surgical management of persistent enlarged biparietal foramina. This is the first report describing our experience with a custom porous polyethylene implant.

Histopathologic and Spectrometric Evaluation of Bony Components of Synostotic Suture and Parietal Bone in Children with Sagittal Synostosis.

AIM: To understand the characterization of the ossification process both in the synostotic suture, and the adjacent parietal bone. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The surgical procedure for the 28 patients diagnosed with sagittal synostosis consisted of removing the synostotic bone as a whole, if possible, "Barrel-Stave" relaxation osteotomies, and strip osteotomies to the parietal and temporal bones perpendicular to the synostotic suture. The synostotic (group I) and parietal (group II) bone segments are obtained during osteotomies. Atomic absorption spectrometry was used to determine the amount of calcium in both groups, which is an indicator of ossification. Scanning electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry were employed to assess trabecular bone formation, osteoblastic density, and osteopontin, which is one of the in vivo indicators of new bone formation. RESULTS: Histopathologically, trabecular bone formation scores did not indicate any significant difference between the groups. However, the osteoblastic density and calcium accumulation in group I were higher than those in group II, and the difference was significant. Osteopontin staining scores in cells showing membranous and cytoplasmic staining with osteopontin antibodies significantly increased in group II. CONCLUSION: In this study, we found reduced differentiation of osteoblasts despite their increase in number. Moreover, the osteoblastic maturation rate was low in synostotic sutures, bone resorption becomes slower than new bone formation, and the remodeling rate is low in sagittal synostosis.

Giant epidermoid cyst penetrating the skull: a case report and literature review.

Intracranial epidermoid cyst is a rare pseudotumor of the nervous system, accounting for 0.2%-1.8% of all intracranial tumors. It is usually located in the cerebellopontine Angle or parasellar area, with insipid onset, slow growth and usually less than 2 cm in diameter. Giant epidermoid cysts that invade the bone have rarely been reported in the literature. Herein, we report a case of giant ECs extradural to the parietal bone, penetrating the skull and continuing to expand outward. In addition, a systematic search of four authoritative databases was conducted to collect the relevant reports of giant epidermoid cyst with diameter > 5cm for the first time, and to discuss the clinical and radiographic features of patients with giant epidermoid cyst and the influence of treatment options.

Parietal bone thickness for predicting operative transfusion and blood loss in patients undergoing spring-mediated cranioplasty for nonsyndromic sagittal craniosynostosis.

OBJECTIVE: Variables that can predict outcomes in patients with craniosynostosis, including bone thickness, are important for surgical decision-making, yet are incompletely understood. Recent studies have demonstrated relative risks and benefits of surgical techniques for correcting head shape in patients with nonsyndromic sagittal craniosynostosis. The purpose of this study was to characterize the relationships between parietal bone thickness and perioperative outcomes in patients who underwent spring-mediated cranioplasty (SMC) for nonsyndromic sagittal craniosynostosis. METHODS: Patients who underwent craniectomy and SMC for nonsyndromic sagittal craniosynostosis at a quaternary pediatric hospital between 2011 and 2021 were included. Parietal bone thickness was determined on patient preoperative CT at 27 suture-related points: at the suture line and at 0.5 cm, 1.0 cm, 1.5 cm, and 2.0 cm from the suture at the anterior parietal, midparietal, and posterior parietal bones. Preoperative skull thickness was compared with intraoperative blood loss, need for intraoperative transfusion, and hospital length of stay (LOS). RESULTS: Overall, 124 patients with a mean age at surgery ± SD of 3.59 ± 0.87 months and mean parietal bone thickness of 1.83 ± 0.38 mm were included in this study. Estimated blood loss (EBL) and EBL per kilogram were associated with parietal bone thickness 0.5 cm (ρ = 0.376, p < 0.001 and ρ = 0.331, p = 0.004; respectively) and 1.0 cm (ρ = 0.324, p = 0.007 and ρ = 0.245, p = 0.033; respectively) from the suture line. Patients with a thicker parietal bone 0.5 cm (OR 18.08, p = 0.007), 1.0 cm (OR 7.16, p = 0.031), and 1.5 cm (OR 7.24, p = 0.046) from the suture line were significantly more likely to have undergone transfusion when controlling for age, sex, and race. Additionally, parietal bone thickness was associated with hospital LOS (ß 0.575, p = 0.019) when controlling for age, sex, and race. Patient age at the time of surgery was not independently associated with these perioperative outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Parietal bone thickness, but not age at the time of surgery, may predict perioperative outcomes including transfusion, EBL, and LOS. The need for transfusion and EBL were most significant for parietal bone thickness 0.5 cm to 1.5 cm from the suture line, within the anticipated area of suturectomy. For patients undergoing craniofacial surgery, parietal bone thickness may have important implications for anticipating the need for intraoperative transfusion and hospital LOS.

The Incidence of Depressed Skull Fractures Due to the Use of Pin-Type Head Frame Systems in the Adult Population: 10-year Experience of a Single Neurosurgical Center.

OBJECTIVE: Pin-type head frame systems have become a worldwide standard procedure, but they can cause some complications on rare occasions. This study aimed to examine the incidence and associated risk factors of depressed skull fracture and related intracranial hematoma (DSFH) due to the use of head frames in our institute over the past 10 years. METHODS: This study included 1749 patients who underwent neurosurgical surgeries using pin-type head frames, including the Mayfield (Integra NeuroSciences, Plainsboro, NJ) skull clamp (721 cases) and the Sugita (Mizuho Ikakogyo Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan) head frame (1028 cases). We retrospectively reviewed hospital records of our institute to identify cases of DSFH, and documented the type of head frame used, as well as patient characteristics. RESULTS: The incidence of DSFH was 0.29% (5 of 1749 cases). All 5 cases had an associated epidural hematoma, with a single case having an additional dural laceration (without subdural damage). All perforation sites, located at the parietal bone near the pterion, occurred by the unilateral horizontal screw of the Sugita head frame. None of the patients experienced postoperative neurological decline. CONCLUSIONS: Even in the adult population, the DSFH by the pin-type head frame can occur infrequently. Based on our results, we recommend that the following factors should be considered when the pin-type head frame is used for neurosurgical procedures: location of pin application, thickness and fragility of the skull, and adequate control of compressive forces exerted by the head frame.

Primary osteosarcoma of the parietal bone.

Osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone tumor and usually involves the long bones. Osteosarcoma of the skull, on the other hand, is relatively rare. Here, we present a 29-year-old man with a growing mass in the skull he first noticed after a fall while skateboarding. The initial clinical diagnosis was hematoma. While undergoing an evacuation surgery for a hematoma, a suspicious mass was detected which was biopsied. Histopathological evaluation showed high-grade osteosarcoma. The patient was referred to our hospital where he underwent definitive resection followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. His course was complicated by wound infection. Even though osteosarcoma of the skull is a rare finding, it should be suspected in a patient with a skull mass, and the history of prior head trauma does not exclude the diagnosis.

Reconstruction of parietal bone defects with adiposederived mesenchymal stem cells. Experimental study.

PURPOSE: This study assessed the regeneration potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) from adipose tissue associated with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in bone regeneration. METHODS: Thirty Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus albinos) were divided into five groups (according to the grafting material and time to euthanasia): (1) autograft - 14 days (control), (2) autograft - 28 days (control), (3) MSC + PRP - 14 days, (4) MSC + PRP + papaverine - 14 days and (5) MSC + PRP + papaverine - 28 days. After euthanasia, the graft was removed and histological slides were prepared. They were assessed by a blinded pathologist using a previously published histological scale as parameter. RESULTS: There was some degree of neoformed bone trabeculae (NBT) in 93.3% of the samples, as well as osteoblastic activity (OA). The autograft groups (14 and 28 days) had higher levels in the formation of bone trabeculae. Nonparametric data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test and proved not to be statistically significant at p < 0.05. CONCLUSIONS: Experimental parietal bone reconstruction, combining MSC, PRP and papaverine presented regeneration in all groups with no significant difference among them.

Accessory Cranial Suture Leading to Abnormal Head Shape.

ABSTRACT: Accessory cranial sutures have been described in the literature and are most commonly associated with the parietal bone. These sutures are typically identified incidentally and there have been no reported cases of accessory cranial sutures leading to abnormal head shape.The authors present the case of a 3-month-old patient with multiple congenital anomalies and an accessory parietal suture leading to abnormal head shape. The patient was successfully treated with cranial orthotic therapy. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of an accessory cranial suture leading to abnormal head shape.

Vacuum-assisted elevation of pediatric ping-pong skull fractures: a case series and technical note.

OBJECTIVE: The management of children with ping-pong skull fractures may include observation, nonsurgical treatments, or surgical intervention depending on the age, clinical presentation, imaging findings, and cosmetic appearance of the patient. There have been 16 publications on nonsurgical treatment using negative pressure with various devices. Herein, the authors report their experience with vacuum-assisted elevation of ping-pong skull fractures and evaluate the variables affecting procedural outcomes. METHODS: The authors performed a retrospective chart review of all ping-pong skull fractures treated via vacuum-assisted elevation at the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin between 2013 and 2017. Data collected included patient age, head circumference, mode of injury, time to presentation, imaging findings, procedural details, treatment outcomes, and complications. RESULTS: Four neonates and 5 infants underwent vacuum-assisted elevation of moderate to severe ping-pong skull fractures during the study period. Modes of injury included birth-related trauma, falls, and blunt trauma. All patients had normal neurological examination findings and no evidence of intracranial hemorrhage. All fractures were deemed severe enough to require elevation by the treating neurosurgeon. All fractures involved the parietal bone. Skull depressions ranged from 23 to 62 mm in diameter and from 4 to 14 mm in depth. Bone thickness ranged from 0.6 to 1.8 mm. The time from fracture to intervention ranged from 7 hours to 8 days. The Kiwi OmniCup vacuum delivery system was used in all cases. Negative pressures were increased sequentially to a maximum of 500 mm Hg. A greater number of sequential vacuum applications was required for patients with a skull thickness greater than 1 mm at the site of depression and for those undergoing treatment more than 72 hours from fracture onset. Successful fracture elevation was attained in 7 of 9 patients. Two patients required subsequent surgical elevation of their fractures. Postprocedure imaging studies revealed no evidence of complications. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing bone thickness and time from fracture onset to intervention appeared to be the greatest limiting factors to the successful elevation of moderate to severe ping-pong fractures via this vacuum-assisted approach. This procedure is a well-tolerated option that should be considered prior to performing an open repair in cases deemed to require fracture elevation. Future efforts will focus on larger-volume studies to better delineate inclusion and exclusion criteria, and volumetric analysis for better fracture-to-suction device customization.

Vascularized Composite Parietal Bone Flap for Immediate Reconstruction of a Hemi-Maxillectomy Defect in an Infant.

BACKGROUND: Surgical resection of maxillary tumors can result in defects that can be difficult to reconstruct by conventional means due to the complex functional and anatomic nature of the midface and lack of regional bone flap options in the head and neck. Many reconstructive methods have been used to repair maxillary defects, but the ideal technique for the reconstruction of hemi-maxillectomy defects in growing pediatric patients has yet to be determined. METHODS: The authors present a rare pediatric patient with melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy resulting in a hemi-maxillectomy defect after resection that was reconstructed using a pedicled vascularized composite flap consisting of temporalis muscle, pericranium, and parietal bone. RESULTS: The patient achieved successful long-term bony reconstruction of his right maxilla with this flap. Stable skeletal fixation with adequate orbital support was maintained over a >3-year follow-up period. CONCLUSION: A vascularized composite parietal bone flap is a reliable reconstructive option for reconstruction of large maxillectomy defects providing low donor-site morbidity, adequate globe support, excellent long-term skeletal stability, and malar symmetry in rapidly growing pediatric patients. Successful reconstruction for a rare patient with maxillary melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy requiring hemi-maxillectomy was demonstrated with >3-year follow-up.

[Osteoblastoma of the parietal bone of the cranial vault: about a case]. / Ostéoblastome de l'os pariétal de la voûte du crâne: à propos d'un cas.

Osteoblastoma is an uncommon primary bone tumor. Its occurrence in the cranial vault is extremely rare. We here report our first case of right parietal bone osteoblastoma in a 46-year old woman with a history of benign cranial traumas. She reported progressive painful, non-inflammatory right parietal bone swelling. Craniocerebral CT scan showed hyperdense bone lesion with sparing of the internal table of the right parietal bone. The patient first underwent biopsy, then complete resection of the bone lesion with methyl-methacrylic cement cranioplasty. The postoperative course was uneventful. Anatomopathological examination showed osteoblastoma with no sign of malignancy. This study and literature review highlight the clinical manifestation, the radiological and anatomopathological features as well as the management of osteoblastoma of the parietal bone of the cranial vault.

Aggressive Cranial Osteoblastoma of the Parietotemporo-Occipital Bone: A Case Report and Review of Literature with Special Emphasis on Recurrence/Residue.

Osteoblastoma is a rare nonfibroblastic osteoid tissue-forming primary bony tumor usually arising in the medullary cavity/diploic space of any bone. The calvarium is an extremely rare site of its origin. Clinically, 2 types of osteoblastoma are noted: benign/conventional/typical and aggressive/high grade. Their imaging features are nondifferentiating and nonspecific, histopathologic features have a few subtle but nonspecific differences, and they have highly distinct clinical behavior. We report an extremely rare case of a patient with large aggressive cranial osteoblastoma, who developed massive inoperable multifocal recurrence 15 months after total en bloc resection with wide margins. A concise review of cases of aggressive osteoblastomas involving the cranium available in the English literature is also presented as an update.

Posterior Calvarial Augmentation for Chiari Malformation Type 1 Refractory to Foramen Magnum Decompression.

BACKGROUND: Chiari 1 malformation is a structural abnormality of the hindbrain and posterior fossa characterized by herniation of the cerebellar tonsils through the foramen magnum. Although asymptomatic in some cases, hindbrain herniation can be associated with disruption of cerebrospinal fluid flow dynamics at the craniovertebral junction and syrinx formation, leading to symptoms. Foramen magnum decompression with or without duraplasty has been the most commonly performed surgical procedure in the management of this condition. The management of syringomyelia associated with Chiari malformation is more challenging and controversial. Although the associated syrinx can significantly improve after craniovertebral decompression and restoration of cerebrospinal fluid flow, in some cases, it will persist despite decompressive surgery and could even continue to enlarge. CASE DESCRIPTION: We have described the case of a 4-year-old boy with non-craniosynostotic Chiari malformation and extensive cervical syrinx who, despite foramen magnum decompression and further revision, continued to deteriorate clinically and radiologically. Posterior calvarial augmentation was performed as a salvage procedure, with resolution of the tonsillar herniation and syrinx. CONCLUSIONS: Posterior calvarial augmentation is a viable option for patients with Chiari malformation refractory to foramen magnum decompression.

Effect of Morphogenetic Protein BMP-2 on X-Ray Density of Bone Defect in the Experiment.

In experiments on Wistar rats, a simulated defect in the flat bones of the skull was filled with a collagen sponge of animal origin impregnated with BMP-2 or pure sponge; in control rats, the defect was left open. During follow-up, X-ray density of the collagen sponge in the experimental groups differed significantly. The results attest to the absence of spontaneous remodeling of the bone tissue under conditions modeled focal defect. Moreover, stimulation of reparative processes by the collagen matrix did not lead to positive dynamics. Saturation of the collagen sponge with BMP-2 in a concentration of 0.05 mg/ml allowed increasing Xray density of the bone starting from week 4.

Reconstruction of Congenital Cranial Defect Using Autologous Bone Graft in Aplasia Cutis Congenita.

Many methods have been devised to repair cranial defects. Here, we report the use of a simple technique for the repair of a congenital cranial defect associated with aplasia cutis congenita (ACC).A newborn baby at 39 weeks of gestation was consulted with a scalp and cranial defect at the vertex measuring 3 × 1.5 cm. A 3-D CT scan of the skull confirmed the presence of a cranial defect at the sagittal suture and a normal brain structure. On the 13 day of life, the newborn was taken to an operating room. An autologous bone graft was harvested from adjacent normal parietal bone and grafted into the debrided congenital cranial defect. The soft tissue defect was then covered by rotation flaps.The postoperative 3-D CT scan presented a well-positioned autologous bone graft. At 1 month postoperatively, the skull contour was normal and there was no palpable defect.We report a successful surgical outcome for a congenital cranial and soft tissue defect in ACC treated using an autologous bone graft and rotation flaps. Although conservative therapy may be an alternative option, we recommend appropriate surgical reconstruction in patients at risk of potentially fatal complications.