Neuroprosthetic Rehabilitation of Acquired Skull Defects

Abstract

ABSTRACT Cranial defects can be broadly classified as congenital and acquired defects. Among the congenital defects, encephalocele is the most common cause while trauma, infections and tumors form the bulk of the acquired skull defects. There has been large number of cranial injuries occurring in this modern age requiring the skull reconstruction not only for rehabilitating the skull cosmesis but also improving the neurological status of the patient. The reconstruction of the cranial defects using alloplastic materials opens a new field for the prosthodontist, in which he can render a worth-while health service to the society. This article illustrates a case report of neuroprosthetic rehabilitation of a patient who had a road traffic accident sustaining multiple bone fractures, including skull followed by decompressive craniectomy and cranioplasty using a Titanium cranial prosthesis with prosthodontists and neurosurgeons working as a team, thereby improving his neurological status and cosmesis.