Technical Optimization of Decompressive Craniectomy for Possible Conversion to Hinge Craniotomy in Traumatic Brain Injury

Overview

Journal Cureus

Specialty Biomedical Engineering

Date 2023 Jul 3

PMID 37398770

Authors

Abdul-Kareem Ahmed

Pemla Jagtiani

Salazar Jones

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Hinge craniotomy for the management of elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) in traumatic brain injury remains a technique not widely adopted. The hinged bone flap decreases the allowable intracranial volume expansion, which can lead to persistent post-operative elevated ICP and the need for salvage craniectomy. Herein, we describe the technical nuances in performing a decompressive craniectomy that, when optimized, allows for stronger consideration for hinge craniotomy as a definitive technique. To conclude, hinge craniotomy is a reasonable option in the setting of traumatic brain injury. Trauma neurosurgeons can consider the technical steps to optimize a decompressive craniectomy and perform hinge craniotomy when allowable.

Citing Articles

Decompressive Craniectomy and Hinged Craniotomy for Traumatic Brain Injury: Experience in Two Centers in a Middle-Income Country.

Gamboa-Onate C, Rincon-Arias N, Baldoncini M, Kehayov I, Capacho-Delgado Y, Monsalve M Korean J Neurotrauma. 2025; 20(4):252-261.

PMID: 39803346 PMC: 11711026. DOI: 10.13004/kjnt.2024.20.e36.

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