Autologous bone fragments for skull reconstruction after microvascular decompression

BACKGROUND: Various methods are used to reconstruct the skull after microvascular decompression, giving their own advantages and disadvantages. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of using autologous bone fragments for skull reconstruction after microvascular decompression. METHODS: The clinical and follow-up data of 145 patients who underwent microvascular decompression and skull reconstruction using autologous bone fragments in our hospital from September 2020 to September 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Three patients (2.06%) had delayed wound healing after surgery and were discharged after wound cleaning. No patient developed postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage, incisional dehiscence, or intracranial infection. Eighty-five (58.62%) patients underwent follow-up cranial computed tomography at 1 year postoperatively, showed excellent skull reconstruction. And, the longer the follow-up period, the more satisfactory the cranial repair. Two patients underwent re-operation for recurrence of hemifacial spasm, and intraoperative observation revealed that the initial skull defect was filled with new skull bone. CONCLUSION: The use of autologous bone fragments for skull reconstruction after microvascular decompression is safe and feasible, with few postoperative wound complications and excellent long-term repair results.