Infections under skin flap after titanium mesh cranioplasty and a simple effective treatment

Aim To report treatment experiences with titanium mesh cranioplasty infection at a single institution over the last 5 years. Material and methods We retrospectively reviewed 11 consecutive patients who were diagnosed with infection under the skin flap after titanium mesh cranioplasty and received our new treatment between Feb 2008 and Feb 2013. We performed a 2- to 6-year follow-up to evaluate prognosis and security. Results All 11 patients were cured and discharged, and all saved their infected bone flap (titanium mesh) completely. There was no recurrence of infection after follow-up for 2-6 years. Conclusion Sensitive antibiotics combined with enclosed continuous irrigation and drainage is a safe, easy, economical and effective treatment for infection after titanium mesh cranioplasty that can save the infected bone flap.