Simulating Expansion of the Intracranial Space to Accommodate Brain Swelling after Decompressive Craniectomy: Volumetric Quantification in a 3D CAD Skull Model with Contour Elevation

Background: Decompressive craniectomy (DC) can be used to augment intracranial space and halt brainstem compromise. However, a widely adopted recommendation for optimal surgical extent of the DC procedure is lacking. In the current study, we utilized three-dimensional (3D) computer-assisted design (CAD) skull models with defect contour elevation for quantitative assessment. Methods: DC was performed for 15 consecutive patients, and 3D CAD models of defective skulls with contour elevations (0–50 mm) were reconstructed using commercial software. Quantitative assessments were conducted in these CAD subjects to analyze the effects of volumetric augmentation when elevating the length of the contour and the skull defect size. The final positive results were mathematically verified using a computerized system for numerical integration with the rectangle method. Results: Defect areas of the skull CAD models ranged from 55.7–168.8 cm(2), with a mean of 132.3 ± 29.7 cm(2). As the contour was elevated outward for 6 mm or above, statistical significance was detected in the volume and the volume-increasing rate, when compared to the results obtained from the regular CAD model. The volume and the volume-increasing rate increased by 3.665 cm(3), 0.285% (p < 0.001) per 1 mm of contour elevation), and 0.034% (p < 0.001) per 1 cm(2) of increase of defect area, respectively. Moreover, a 1 mm elevation of the contour in Groups 2 (defect area 125–150 cm(2)) and 3 (defect area >150 cm(2), as a proxy for an extremely large skull defect) was shown to augment the volume and the volume-increasing rate by 1.553 cm(3), 0.101% (p < 0.001) and 1.126 cm(3), 0.072% (p < 0.001), respectively, when compared to those in Group 1 (defect area <125 cm(2)). The volumetric augmentation achieved by contour elevation for an extremely large skull defect was smaller than that achieved for a large skull defect. Conclusions: The 3D CAD skull model contour elevation method can be effectively used to simulate the extent of a space-occupying swollen brain and to quantitatively assess the extent of brainstem protection in terms of volume augmentation and volume-increasing rate following DC. As the tangential diameter (representing the degree of DC) exceeded the plateau value, volumetric augmentation was attenuated. However, an increasing volumetric augmentation was detected before the plateau value was reached.