Recurrent Osteoma Overlying a Methylmethacrylate Bone Cement Cranioplasty: A Rare Case.

Osteomas are generally benign tumors of the skull that affect all age groups and are diagnosed in the fourth or fifth decade of life, and are rare in childhood. Surgical resection is curative and malignant transformation is very rare. A 12-yearboy who had undergone a craniotomy for resection of a parietal osteoma four years ago, followed by a cranioplasty with methylmethacrylate bone cement, presented to our clinic with an expanding mass overlying the cranioplasty. Upon reoperation, the mass was totally excised, and the parietal cranial defect was repaired using methylmethacrylate bone cement. On histologic examination, the mass was found to be a recurrent osteoma overlying the methylmethacrylate bone cement. In this report, we discuss the etiologies of recurrence of osteoma and treatment options of these rare cases. We believe that this recurrence resulted from contamination of the surgical area and cranioplasty materials with osteoma material. Extensive washing of the cranioplasty materials and perioperative area may prevent recurrence of such tumors.

Craneoplastia en deformidad postraumática y postquirúrgica, 18 años de experiencia en el Hospital General de México: una opción reconstructiva segura / Craneoplasty in post-traumatic and postoperative deformity, a 18- year experience at Hospital General de México: a secure reconstructive option

Introducción y Objetivos. Los defectos craneales que llegan a nuestro hospital generalmente son secundarios a trauma o bien a su tratamiento neuroquirúrgico. La craneoplastia no suele ser inmediata, sin embargo el síndrome de trepanación o el deseo del paciente por mejorar su apariencia, son mandatorios para poder realizar la reconstrucción. El material ideal para una craneoplastia debe ser biocompatible, fácil de fabricar y biomecánicamente estable. En nuestro Servicio llevamos a cabo la reconstrucción craneal con una prótesis de metil-metacrilato diseñada mediante estereolitografía, cubierta completamente por un injerto de fascia lata. En nuestra experiencia esta nos brinda resultados predecibles, seguros y satisfactorios para los pacientes. Material y Método. Presentamos nuestra experiencia inicial en el uso de esta técnica a través de un análisis retrospectivo sobre 32 pacientes operados por un equipo multidisciplinario entre enero de 1996 y junio de 2014 en el Hospital General de México Dr. Eduardo Liceaga. Resultados. No tuvimos complicaciones importantes relacionadas con infección, hematoma o seroma. Los resultados estéticos obtenidos fueron de aceptables a buenos. Conclusiones. En esta serie de pacientes usando la técnica descrita, recogimos una tasa de complicaciones muy baja y un excelente grado de satisfacción de los pacientes en el seguimiento a largo plazo (AU)

Background and Objective. The skull defects in our center result from descompressive craniectomy after trauma, bony involvement by tumors or infarction, and the cranioplasty will be mandatory if the patient have the syndrome of the trephined or wish to improve their appearance. The ideal material for cranioplasty there will be biocompatible, simple to manufacture, and biomechanically reliable, at least. In our Department, the skull reconstruction is performed with methylmethacrylate prosthesis, designed by stereolithography, and then covered with an onlay fascia lata tendon graft. In our experience this kind of skull reconstruction has been demonstrated secure, predictable and satisfactory results. Methods. We report our initial experience using this technique with a retrospective analysis of 32 patients operated from January 1996 to June 2014 by a multidisciplinary team in the General Hospital of Mexico Dr. Eduardo Liceaga. Results. There were no significant complications related to infection, hematoma or seroma. The aesthetic results have been considered acceptable, to excellent. Conclusions. In our patient series using this technique we collected an extremely low complication rate and an excellent grade of patient satisfaction on long-term follow up (AU)

Cranial Reconstruction Using Autologous Bone and Methylmethacrilate.

BACKGROUND: Having in mind the importance of reconstruction of the calvaria, our goal was to compare the complication rates following the use of autologous bone and methylmethacrilate grafts, and explain the factors influencing them. METHODS: The authors collected information of all the patients undergoing cranial reconstructive surgery (N = 149) at the Military Medical Academy in Belgrade. Procedures were performed either using a craniotomy bone flap, removed and replaced in the same act, or using methylmethacrilate. These 2 groups were compared using the Chi-squared test, controlling for the confounding influence of the size of the defect. RESULTS: Intracranial neoplasms were the cause for the reconstruction in 71.1% of patients. The total complication rate was 7.4%, while the infection rate was 5.4%. The infection rate was significantly higher in those procedures done using methylmethacrilate (11.3% compared with 2.1%, P = 0.017), but when controlling for the confounding effect of the size of the defect treated, the difference in infection rate was significant only in large defects (13.9% compared with 2%, P = 0.031), while for small defects the difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that the material used for reconstruction of calvaria influences the infection rate only in large and complicated defects. Considering the importance of the reconstruction, further studies should explore and confirm the role of material type on the rate of complications.

Intrusion Characteristics of Three Bone Cements for Tibial Component of Total Knee Arthroplasty in a Cadaveric Bone Model.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the intrusion characteristics of Simplex-HV to Simplex-P and Palacos-R in cadaveric proximal tibial bone. Eighteen fresh-frozen cadaver proximal tibiae were examined with standard arthroplasty tibial cuts. Each tibia was randomly assigned to receive one of the three bone cements for use with finger packing technique. Sagittal sections were prepared and analyzed using digital photography and stereoscopic micrographs to evaluate cement intrusion characteristics. The cement penetration depth was measured from the tibial bone cut surface, which did not include the cement thickness under the tibial base plate. Significant differences were detected in the bone cement penetration between the three cements. Penetration was increased using the Simplex-HV (average, 2.7 mm; range, 2.0-3.0 mm) compared with Simplex-P (average, 2.2 mm) and Palacos-R (average, 1.8 mm). These depths approximate to 3.7, 3.2, and 2.8 mm of total cement penetration, respectively. The data suggest that high-viscosity bone cement may provide good fixation of the tibial component of a total knee arthroplasty when using the finger packing technique.

Preenchimentos estéticos na cirurgia ortognática: há indicações? / Aesthetic augmentation in orthognathic surgery: are there indications?

Introdução: resultados estéticos na cirurgia ortognática são um dos principais objetivos dos pacientes, ortodontistas e cirurgiões. A correção da deformidade óssea maxilomandibular, geralmente, restabelece as funções do sistema estomatognático e a estética facial. No entanto, nem sempre obtém-se simetria e projeção desejada dos tecidos moles somente com a movimentação óssea. Nesse sentido, o preenchimento com o polimetilmetacrilato (PMMA) atua como coadjuvante na tentativa de se obter contornos faciais que alcancem as expectativas estéticas dos pacientes e profissionais. Objetivo: o presente artigo revisa a utilização do metilmetacrilato como material de preenchimento na região craniofacial, abordando a sua perspectiva histórica, vantagens e aspectos biológicos. As principais indicações são ilustradas com figuras e casos clínicos

Aesthetic occiput augmentation using methylmethacrylate.

Cranioplasty for only aesthetic reasons has not been commonly performed to date. However, recently there has been a new focus by the public on a more aesthetically pleasing head shape with frequent patient requests for purely aesthetic contouring of the occiput, an important definer of cosmetic head shape. For example, in Asia, where the normal cranial shape is mesocephalic or brachycephalic and often with a planar occiput, requests for its aesthetic correction are increasingly common. Accordingly, the author developed a minimally invasive occiput augmentation using methylmethacrylate. In this study, the indications for aesthetic occiput contouring were planar occiput, left-right asymmetric occiput, and grooved occiput. Under local anesthesia, soft methylmethacrylate is subperiosteally inserted through a small incision (about 5-cm length), manually and precisely contoured in situ through the scalp to the desired occipital shape. All is performed as an outpatient procedure, and a quick recovery is the case. Between March 2007 and October 2013, 959 patients received such aesthetic occiput augmentation. The mean follow-up period was 49 months (range, 3-84 months). Nearly all patients were satisfied with the outcome, and complications were very rare. Only 5 patients (0.5%) needed additional corrective procedures. The author has concluded that aesthetic occiput augmentation using methylmethacrylate yields consistent, predictable, and satisfactory results. Additional long-term follow-up is required for a final conclusion, however.

Microtensile bond strength of different acrylic teeth to high-impact denture base resins.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the effect of denture base acrylic, denture tooth composition, and ridge-lap surface treatment on the microtensile bond strength (µTBS) of three commercially available denture teeth and two injection denture processing systems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen experimental groups were formed (n = 3), according to denture tooth surface treatment (no treatment or surface treatment recommended by the manufacturer), denture base processing technique and acrylic (SR-Ivocap-Ivocap Plus or Success-Lucitone 199), and tooth type-composition at bonding interface (BlueLine DCL-PMMA, Portrait IPN-PMMA, Phonares II-PMMA, Phonares II-NHC). Rectangular bar specimens with a 1 mm(2) cross sectional area were fabricated and subsequently thermocycled at 10,000 cycles between 5°C and 55°C with a 15-second dwell time. Select specimens underwent µTBS testing in a universal testing machine with a 1 kN load cell at 0.5 mm/min crosshead speed. Data were analyzed statistically by two and three-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Mean µTBS ranged between 56.2 ± 5.6 and 60.8 ± 5.0 N/mm(2) for the Ivocap Plus specimens and 13.3 ± 5.12 to 60.1 ± 6.0 N/mm(2) for the Lucitone 199 specimens. Among the Ivocap specimens, BlueLine DCL and Phonares II NHC had significantly higher µTBS than Portrait IPN to Ivocap Plus acrylic. There were no statistically significant differences among Blueline, Phonares II PMMA, and Phonares II NHC, or between Phonares II PMMA and Portrait IPN. Within the Luctione 199 specimens, there was a significantly higher µTBS for BlueLine DCL and Phonares II NHC denture teeth with the manufacturer-recommended surface treatment when compared to control surface. BlueLine, Portrait, and Phonares II PMMA groups achieved significantly higher mean µTBS than the Phonares II NHC group. There were no statistically significant differences among BlueLine, Portrait, and Phonares II PMMA groups. CONCLUSION: When evaluating the µTBS of PMMA and NHC denture teeth to base resins, a stronger bond was achieved using materials produced by the same manufacturer. Within the Luctione 199 specimens, the Phonares II NHC group demonstrated significantly lower bond strength than other specimens, suggesting that gross ridge-lap reduction of NHC denture teeth is not recommended if a base acrylic by a different manufacturer from the tooth is going to be used.

Protótipo para realização de cranioplastia de baixo custo / Prototype for cranioplasty low cost in postoperative decompressive craniotomy

Objetivo: O presente trabalho propõe uma técnica para realização de cranioplastia com metilmetacrilato em formas pré-moldadas e esterilizadas visando evitar cranioplastia com prototipagem pré-moldada.Método: Conforme rotina apresentada, o flap ósseo realizado para craniotomia descompressiva é armazenado em recipientes com formol e enviado para o serviço de patologia do hospital. Quando realizamos a cranioplastia, utilizamos o flap ósseo armazenado para realização dos moldes que serão utilizados na cranioplastia. Resultado: O resultado estético é muito bom e os índices de complicação e infecção são baixos. Conclusão: Apresenta resultados estéticos semelhantes aos casos de prototipagemcom baixo custo na confecção.

Objective: This paper proposes a technique for cranioplasty with methyl methacrylate and molded into shapes pre-sterilized to avoid aiming cranioplasty with pre molded prototyping. Method: As presented routine bone flap performed to decompressive craniectomy is stored in containers with formalin and sent to the pathology service of the hospital. When we performed the cranioplasty, we used the bone flap stored for realization of molds that will be used in cranioplasty. Result: The aesthetic result is very good and the rates of complication and infection are lo

Chondrosarcoma of the chest wall: single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: chondrosarcoma is the most common primary tumor of the chest wall. We analyzed cases of chest wall chondrosarcoma to establish the presentation, diagnostic tools, surgical treatment, and outcome. METHODS: this was a retrospective observational analysis of 45 patients who underwent surgery for chondrosarcoma. RESULTS: the mean age was 42.3 ± 8.5 years, and 57.8% patients were male. Symptoms were a painful chest wall mass in 91.1% of patients. Chest radiography and computed tomography, and biopsy were the diagnostic tools. The tumor was right-sided in 57.8% of patients. It was located in the lateral (71.1%), anterior (26.7%), or posterior (2.2%) chest wall. The mean tumor diameter was 7.6 ± 3.3 cm. Radical en-bloc excision was performed in all patients. Chest wall reconstruction was carried out using methylmethacrylate and Prolene mesh (42.2%), Prolene mesh alone (37.8%), and direct closure (20%). A muscle flap was used for soft tissue reconstruction in 11.1%. Complications were encountered in 6.7%. There was no operative mortality. Follow-up was complete in 66.7% of patients. The mean follow-up period was 3.7 ± 2.1 years. Local recurrences and late mortality occurred in 4.4%. CONCLUSION: surgery for chondrosarcoma can be performed with acceptable morbidity and mortality. Proper selection of patients and radical en-block excision of the tumor are the keys for successful treatment and better outcomes.

Single centre prospective study of the efficacy of percutaneous cement augmentation in the treatment of vertebral compression fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Despite controversial outcomes of recent published trials, percutaneous cement augmentation remains widely used in managing painful vertebral compression fractures. We prospectively assessed patients with such fractures using an eleven-point visual analogue scale for pain and the Qualeffo 41 questionnaire for quality of life. METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing percutaneous cement augmentation for painful vertebral compression fractures were recruited. Patients were assessed pre-procedure by completing a visual analogue scale for pain, on a scale of 0 to 10. A Qualeffo 41 questionnaire was also completed. Patients were followed up at 1 week and 3 months. RESULTS: Fifty six patients were prospectively recruited (111 vertebroplasty and 5 kyphoplasty). Visual analogue scores dropped from 6.4 ± 2.3 pre-procedure to 4.0 ± 2.7 at 1 week (p < 0.0001) and 4.3 ± 2.7 (p < 0.0001) at 3 months. Three subgroups were identified; osteoporotic patients (n = 28), a second non-osteoporotic group (n = 20) who had acute fracture following fall and a third group with compression fractures secondary to metastatic disease (n = 8). At 3-month follow-up, patients with osteoporotic fractures had reduction in pain score from 6.3 ± 2.1 to 4.8 ± 2.7 (p = 0.02). Patients who had traumatic fractures experienced more significant pain relief, 6.4 ± 2.6 to 3.8 ± 2.7 (p = 0.0009) but patients with malignant fracture had most benefit, 6.0 ± 3.0 to 1.8 ± 0.8 (p = 0.01). Total Qualeffo scores improved from 63 ± 15 to 49 ± 22 (p < 0.0001). Within the domains of the Qualeffo questionnaire, most improvement was seen in pain and physical function. Median in-patient stay post procedure was one day. CONCLUSION: In our experience percutaneous cement augmentation is safe and efficacious in the management of painful VCF related to osteoporosis, trauma and cancer, achieving rapid and significant pain reduction and improvement in physical function as measured with a visual analogue scale and the Qualeffo 41 questionnaire.

Management of cranial bone defects: a reconstructive algorithm according to defect size.

INTRODUCTION: Reconstruction of cranial bone defects is one of the most challenging problems in reconstructive surgery. The timing of reconstruction, the location of the defect, the materials to be used, and the medical history of the patient are parameters that have been mostly discussed in the literature. To the best of our knowledge, there has not been any published classification for the cranial bone defect reconstruction according to defect size. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve patients underwent reconstruction of cranial vault defects. Cranial bone defects were classified into 3 groups according to the size of the defect. The small-sized group included the defects smaller than 25 cm(2), the medium-sized group included the defects between 25 to 200 cm(2), and the large-sized group included the defects larger than 200 cm(2). The small-sized defects were reconstructed with split calvarial graft, demineralized bone matrix, or hydroxyapatite cement; the medium-sized defects were reconstructed with split calvarial graft or allogenic bone graft; and the large-sized defects were reconstructed with methyl methacrylate, autoclaved bone, or porous polyethylene. RESULTS: Two patients needed revision for irregularities with demineralized bone matrix. Other patients had no skull defects or irregularities for which revision was suggested. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that the size of the defect is important for the reconstruction of cranial vault defects and that using a standard algorithm can increase the success rate.

Augmentation of craniofacial defects using alloplastic material / Técnica de aumento para la reparación de defectos craneofaciales usando materiales aloplásticos

BACKGROUND: Alloplastic materials are increasingly being used in augmentation of craniofacial defects because of its ready availability, good aesthetic outcome and absence of donor site morbidity. This paper highlights experience in the use of heat-cured acrylic in augmentation cranioplasty. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: The management of three patients with anterior skull defect who presented at the Dental and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic of the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital over a five-year period is presented. RESULTS: There was good aesthetic outcome in all the patients and no complications were recorded. CONCLUSION: Augmentation of craniofacial defects using customized prefabricated heat-cured acrylic provides patients with a durable, stable and structural repair ofcraniofacial defects with good aesthetic outcome.

ANTECEDENTES: Los materiales aloplásticos son usados cada vez más en la técnica de aumento para la reparación de defectos craneofaciales, debido a su disponibilidad inmediata, buen resultado estético y ausencia de morbosidad del sitio donante. Este trabajo destaca nuestra experiencia en el uso de acrílico curado por calor en las técnicas de aumento en la craneoplastia. SUJETOS Y MÉTODOS: Se describe el tratamiento de tres pacientes con defectos del cráneo anterior, que asistieron a la Clínica de Cirugía Maxilofacial y Dental del Hospital Docente Aminu Kano por un período de más de cinco años. RESULTADOS: Hubo un buen resultado estético en todos los pacientes y no se reportaron complicaciones. CONCLUSIÓN: La técnica de aumentación para los defectos craneofaciales, utilizando acrílico prefabricado curado con calor, proporciona a los pacientes una reparación duradera, estable y estructural de los defectos craneofaciales con buen resultado estético.

Afundamento costal estabilizado com suporte externo de metilmetacrilato em um felino / Ditching costal stabilized with external support of methylmethacrylate in a feline

O tórax instável ou afundamento costal acontece quando há fraturas múltiplas de pelo menos duas costelas consecutivas (CROWE et al., 2005). Nesse caso, durante a inspiração, o segmento fraturado, ao invés de expandir com o restante da caixa torácica, tende a penetrar no tórax. Subsequentemente, no momento da expiração, o conjunto instável tende a expansão (CROWE et al., 2005, FOSSUM, 2008). O tratamento inicial consiste em tornar o tórax estável, com uma pinça backhaus (AGUIAR, 2011). Posteriormente faz-se necessária a imobilização externa, que permitirá a adequada expansão torácica, sendo mantida por alguns dias até a estabilização do paciente. Para o tratamento cirúrgico recomenda-se a reconstrução anatômica das costelas fraturadas (CUNHA et al., 2009). O objetivo desse trabalho é demonstrar o tratamento da instabilidade costal com metilmetacrilato em felino, descrita por Coutinho et al. (2012).

Outcomes at least 10 years after cemented PF® (Zimmer) total hip arthroplasty: 83 cases.

INTRODUCTION: Cementless total hip arthroplasty (TKA) is gaining ground over cemented TKA. The objective of this study was to assess survival rates of a cemented THA implant (PF(®), Zimmer), after at least 10 years and to assess changes in acetabular bone structure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighty-three ceramic-on-polyethylene THA prostheses were implanted between 1998 and 2001. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Harris hip score and Postel Merle d'Aubigné score. For each hip, radiographs were examined for acetabular radiolucent lines, geodes, and granulomas; in addition, changes in bone structure and trabeculae were assessed comparatively to the other hip and classified from no change to severe osteolysis. Changes in trabeculae served to assess the loads applied to the bone. Polyethylene wear was assessed using the Livermore method. RESULTS: A single patient was lost to follow-up. At last follow-up, 16 patients had died and six were contacted and had not required revision surgery; the remaining 52 patients (59 THAs) were re-evaluated and none had evidence of loosening. The Harris hip score at last evaluation was 91.6 compared to 60.5 preoperatively. No hips had evidence of acetabular osteolysis. For two hips, the radiographs showed complete acetabular radiolucent lines less than 2mm in width, with no mobilisation. Trabecular distribution was homogeneous with no stress shielding. Mean annual rate of wear was 0.08mm. No instances of femoral component loosening were recorded; granulomas involving no more than five Gruën zones were seen in three cases. DISCUSSION: This study confirms the reliability of cemented THA, with a 12-year survival rate of 98.3%, in keeping with earlier data. Thus, our results establish that cemented ceramic-on-polyethylene prostheses remain valid options for THA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Case reports: Treatment of traumatic triradiate cartilage epiphysiodesis: what is the role of bridge resection?

BACKGROUND: Acetabular fractures are rare in children and can be complicated by premature fusion of the triradiate cartilage resulting in secondary acetabular dysplasia. Early recognition and treatment of a physeal bar in this location can be difficult. The purpose of this case report was to investigate whether early intervention could restore acetabular growth and prevent secondary acetabular dysplasia as measured on plain radiographs. CASE DESCRIPTION: We report a series of three patients (3, 4, and 5 years old) who underwent physeal bridge resection and methylmethacrylate or fat interposition through an extended Pfannenstiel approach. The mean followup was 6 years. After resection of the osseous bridge the physis initially remained open with evident acetabular growth in all three patients. In one patient, the bridge reformed 6 years after the procedure. All patients had a slight increase in the thickness of the acetabular wall relative to the contralateral side but no radiographic evidence of acetabular dysplasia. LITERATURE REVIEW: To our knowledge, there are only two reports of physeal arrest resection of triradiate cartilage with one successful result. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Posttraumatic, partial physeal arrest of the triradiate cartilage may be treated with resection of the bone bridge resection through an extended Pfannenstiel approach. The potential benefits of this treatment must be weighed against the risks.

Bone marrow stimulation induces greater chondrogenesis in trochlear vs condylar cartilage defects in skeletally mature rabbits.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the early repair response of cartilage defects in trochlea (TR) and medial femoral condyle (MFC) at 2-3 weeks after bone marrow stimulation. DESIGN: Bilateral full-thickness cartilage defects were generated in central trochlear groove and MFC of skeletally mature rabbits. Four subchondral perforations were made on each defect, either by microfracture to 2 mm deep, or by drilling to 2 mm or 6 mm deep. Rabbits were sacrificed either on Day 14 post-operatively or on Day 21. Defects were analyzed by histology, stereology, histomorphometry and micro-computed tomography (CT). Intact femurs (N = 4) served as controls. RESULTS: Stromal cell density recruitment was similar in all defects, irrespective of defect location and surgical techniques used. There was a robust appearance of chondrocytes at Day 21 in TR defects with significantly higher volume fraction of chondrocytes in TR compared to MFC (P = 0.013). Chondrogenic foci were observed in marrow penetrating holes, with a significantly higher frequency and larger foci in TR vs MFC defects at Day 21 (P = 0.043 and P = 0.0014, respectively). Micro-CT analysis showed that deep drilling elicited significantly more mineralized bone fill compared to shallower perforations at 2 and 3 weeks repair (all at P ≤ 0.0008). CONCLUSIONS: Bone marrow stimulation induced greater chondrogenesis in TR vs MFC defects in adult rabbits, with more chondrocytes and larger chondrogenic foci appearing in TR vs MFC on Day 21 post-operation.

Augmentation of craniofacial defects using alloplastic material.

BACKGROUND: Alloplastic materials are increasingly being used in augmentation of craniofacial defects because of its ready availability, good aesthetic outcome and absence of donor site morbidity. This paper highlights experience in the use of heat-cured acrylic in augmentation cranioplasty. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The management of three patients with anterior skull defect who presented at the Dental and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic of the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital over a five-year period is presented. RESULTS: There was good aesthetic outcome in all the patients and no complications were recorded. CONCLUSION: Augmentation of craniofacial defects using customized prefabricated heat-cured acrylic provides patients with a durable, stable and structural repair of craniofacial defects with good aesthetic outcome.

Anchoring of methylmethacrylate filler to the calvarium--technical note.

Implanted methylmethacrylate may be unexpectedly displaced due to poor adherence to the bone. We developed a simple technique to fix the material plugging the burr holes for use primarily in cosmetically important areas. At the closure of craniotomy, 2-3 small drill holes are made at the rim of the craniotomy burr hole. To address cranial defects in the pterional region, small holes are placed on the bone surface around the key burr hole. The holes extend into the diploic layer and have no parallel relationship. After fixation of the bone flap, a methylmethacrylate filler mixture is manually plugged into the burr hole and pushed into the small holes, thereby forming horns for secure fixation. None among over 100 patients developed an objectionable bulge attributable to displacement of the filler. Our technique requires no special instruments or materials and decreases the risk of cosmetic problems.