Cranial reconstruction using a polycaprolactone implant after burr hole trephination

Abstract

Aim: This retrospective study evaluated the safety of using polycaprolactone (PCL) burr hole covers over a 10-year period. Materials & methods: Patients with PCL burr hole cover implants inserted between 1 April 2006 and 31 September 2015 were identified and included in this study. Burr hole covers were used in surgery for chronic subdural hematoma, hydrocephalus and tumor biopsy. Results: 174 patients with a total of 275 implants inserted were included in the study. Overall, the use of PCL implants was safe and did not increase the rate of surgical complications. The radiology study of two cases and histology study of a removed PCL implant demonstrated evidence of soft tissue regeneration. Conclusion: PCL burr hole covers demonstrated safety in use for craniotomy burr hole reconstruction.