Split rib cranioplasty for frontal osteoma: A case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Introduction: Osteomas are benign bone tumors. They generally lead to a local thickness on the frontal bone in calvarium. When they occur on the forehead, they often cause a cosmetic disorder without any neurological symptoms. The significant problem is the repair method of the cranium defect. Case Presentation: The rib of a 34-year-old female was split and used for a small cranium defect of 3×3.5 cm. The preferred method and the obtained results were presented under the guidance of the literature. Conclusions: Along with the technological advancement, different materials are employed according to the size of the cranium defect and the age of the case. The application of split costa cranioplasty for the small cranium defects in the region of patient’s face is the method with the least possibility of complications, and its cosmetic and functional results are quite promising.