Treatment, Surgery & Anesthesia
Cranioplasty
Cranioplasty is the surgical repair and reconstruction of the bony skull defect.
In short: Cranioplasty
- It restores protection for the brain and head shape.
- It addresses the bony opening of the encephalocele.
- It may use bone graft or other materials.
- It is planned with imaging like CT.
What it is
It is the surgical repair and reconstruction of a skull bone defect. In encephalocele repair, cranioplasty addresses the bony opening through which the protrusion occurred.
Understanding Cranioplasty
After the membranes are closed watertight, cranioplasty rebuilds the bony defect to restore protection for the brain and a more typical head shape. It may use the patient's own bone, a bone graft, or other materials, and it is planned with imaging like CT and 3D reconstruction. In young children, the skull's ongoing growth and healing capacity are factors in how the reconstruction is approached.
Why it matters
Understanding cranioplasty helps families see how the bony part of the repair is completed — rebuilding the skull to protect the brain and restore head contour after the membranes are sealed.
Common questions
What is cranioplasty?
The repair and reconstruction of the bony skull defect.
What does it restore?
Protection for the brain and a more typical head shape.
What materials are used?
The patient's own bone, a bone graft, or other materials.
Bottom line
Cranioplasty rebuilds the bony skull defect to restore protection and head shape after the membranes are sealed.
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