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doi: 10.1597/04-070.1
The Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Journal: Vol. 42, No. 4, pp. 442–447.

Early Composite Cranioplasty in Infants With Severe Aplasia Cutis Congenita: A Report of Two Cases

Emilia A. Ploplys, M.D.
Arshad R. Muzaffar, M.D.
Joseph S. Gruss, M.B., F.R.C.S.(C)
Richard G. Ellenbogen, M.D.

Dr. Ploplys, Dr. Muzaffar, and Dr. Gruss are with the Divisions of Craniofacial and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and Dr. Ellenbogen is with the Division of Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center, Seattle, Washington

Submitted June 2004; Accepted August 2004.

Objective: Severe cutis aplasia congenita has traditionally been treated with initial soft tissue coverage and delayed cranioplasty. We advocate the technique of early composite reconstruction of both bone and soft tissues.

Methods: Two cases of cutis aplasia congenita with large skull defects (6 × 10 cm, 8 × 8 cm) of superficial layers, skull, and dura are presented. In each case, composite reconstruction was undertaken before 2 weeks of age with restoration of bony and soft tissue coverage through autologous, full-thickness cranial bone grafts and scalp flaps. Both children have been followed up over 2 years with clinical examination and computed tomography (CT) scans.

Results: In both cases, defects were completely repaired postoperatively and remained closed 2 years later. Complete regeneration of calvarial bone graft donor sites were documented by CT scan. Head shape and circumference were normal at 2-year follow up.

KEY WORDS:aplasia cutis congenita, bone grafting


© 2005, The American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association