Addressing Temporal Muscle Atrophy and Enhancing Cranioplasty Outcome: A Technical Note

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is a critical surgical intervention for reducing elevated intracranial pressure. However, subsequent cranioplasty (CP) can be complicated by adhesions between anatomic layers, particularly the temporalis muscle (TM), dura mater, and brain surface. A dual-layer dural substitute during DC can help prevent these adhesions, improving CP outcomes. METHODS: In this three-year prospective multicenter study, 59 patients underwent DC followed by CP. A dual-layer dural substitute was placed between the TM and dura mater (and sometimes the subcutaneous layer) during DC. Outcomes evaluated included adhesion formation, ease of dissection during CP, and overall functional results. RESULTS: No infections or wound complications were reported. The dual-layer technique significantly reduced adhesions in the muscle-cutaneous flap layers, facilitating TM elevation during CP. This resulted in minimal fibrotic adhesions, no change in TM thickness postoperatively, significantly shorter operative times, negligible blood loss, and a 0% rate of postoperative CP-related epilepsy. CONCLUSION: Using a dual-layer dural substitute during DC effectively prevents adhesion formation, reducing wound healing complications. This technique improves subsequent CP success by facilitating TM elevation, preserving its function, and protecting underlying brain structures. It also shortens surgical time, minimizes blood loss, reduces hospital stays, and lowers postoperative epilepsy rates.