[The impact of early cranioplasty on cerebral blood flow and its correlation with neurological and cognitive outcome. Prospective multi-centre study on 24 patients].

Introduction: Cranioplasty after decompressive craniectomy in patients suffering from severe head injury often leads to a functional improvement although, to date, the pathophysiology of this phenomenon remains unclear. A few hypotheses have been proposed. The impact of cranioplasty on cerebral perfusion could be one explanation.

Effect of registration mode on neuronavigation precision: an exploration of the role of random error.

The aim of this paper is to analyze the variations in registration accuracy for computer-assisted surgical navigation using three different modes of registration, in order to explore the behavior of random error, and to highlight the precision of neuronavigation as a concept distinct from accuracy. The operational accuracy of three different registration modes (bone fiducials, scalp adhesive fiducials and an auto-registration mask) was evaluated in a total of 20 fresh cadaveric heads. The precision of the neuronavigation system was then assessed by evaluating the variation in the accuracy measurements associated with each registration mode.

A microanatomical map of the structures hidden in the middle fossa based on the facial nerve hiatus: measurements and their variability.

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships/variations between the facial nerve hiatus (FNH) and middle cranial fossa neuro-vascular structures. Twenty CT-scanned middle cranial fossae of fresh adult cadavers were used; the greater superficial petrosal nerves, and critical neuro-vascular structures were identified. Using the FNH as a reference point, a neuronavigation system was used to measure the distance between each structure and the FNH.

Skull bone flap fixation - reliability and efficacy of a new grip-like titanium device (Skull Grip) versus traditional sutures: a clinical randomized trial.

Background: After completing a craniotomy, it is important to replace the removed bone flap in its natural position in order to guarantee brain protection as well as improve cosmesis. A skull defect can expose the brain to accidental damage, and in cases of larger defects it may also cause the patients psychosocial problems. The ideal fixation device should provide reliable attachment of the flap to the skull and promote fast bony healing to avoid possible pseudo-arthrosis and/or osteolytic changes.

Neuroendoscopic management of posterior third ventricle and pineal region tumors: technique, limitation, and possible complication avoidance.

The endoscopic approach has gained an increased popularity in recent years for the biopsy and, in selected cases, the removal of tumors of the posterior third ventricle and pineal region. The authors report their experience on a series of 20 patients discussing also the technical limitations and complication avoidance. This is a prospective study of 20 patients with posterior third ventricle and pineal region tumors surgically managed by endoscopic biopsy and/or excision and simultaneous third ventriculostomy.