A study on cranial flap fixation techniques

objective To compare different techniques in cranial flap fixation. Methods Twenty four cadaver craniotomy flaps were divided into three groups,in each group flaps were reattached with sutures,stainless steel wires and titanium clamps respectively. Bone flap fixation was timed and measured for offset. With craniotomied skull for every fixation technique,load-bearing tests were performed by applying an external force until the failure of the fixation system. Results Titanium clamp required significantly less time (93±15)s to fix than either suture (173±17)s or stainless steel wire (399±61)s. Titanium clamp also showed significantly smaller offset maximal:(0.32±0.23)mm;average:(0.21±0.16)mm than either suture maximal:(3.00±0.47)mm;average:(2.24±0.29)mm or stainless steel wire maximal:(2.01±0.36)mm;average:(1.36±0.44)mm. Titanium clamp was stronger than suture and stainless steel wire. Conclusion Titanium clamp is ease to use,require less time consumption with satisfactory accuracy and strength.