The osteoplastic flap for pediatric temporal lobe epilepsy treatment: step-by-step guide and technical nuances.

ABSTRACT

The osteoplastic flap is an under-utilized craniotomy approach in pediatric temporal lobe epilepsy treatment. By preserving the myofascial attachment of the temporalis muscle, the flap is allowed the remain vascularized while subdural and intracranial electrodes are in place. The process in which the flap is made and handled throughout this process can be complicated. We herein detail our surgical technique for the osteoplastic flap in the setting of pediatric temporal lobe epilepsy treatment, and highlight the surgical nuances specific to our 2-stage protocol in treating pediatric temporal lobe epilepsy.