Turkish Neurosurgery
Efficacy and Safety of Using N-Butyl Cyanoacrylate in Fixation of Cranial Following Trauma and Other Pathologies.
Ahmed Sultan1, Abbas Mohamed1
1Alexandria University, Neurosurgery, Alexandria,
DOI: 10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.20117-17.1

Abstract Skull Bone fixation following different cranial surgeries is essential and should be rigid, simple and cheap. We describe our technique of cranial fixation using the adhesive cyanoacrylates. Materials and Methods: At the end of cranial and intracranial surgeries the craniotomy flap and bone pieces are returned, realigned and fixed using Histoacryl® (N-Butyl Cyanoacrylate) glue. The glue is applied all around the flap in 360 degrees fashion. Result: The adhesive material was used in 24 cases after different surgeries involving the calvaria of the skull. Patient’s age ranged from 1 month to 55 years. Seven cases presented with depressed fractures, 5 traumatic hematomas, and 2 cases after decompressive craniotomies for malignant MCA infarctions, and 10 cases operated for brain tumors. No skin or bone flap infections were encountered during the follow up period, fusion of the edges of bone flap was observed on follow up imaging in most of the cases. Conclusions: Skull bone realignment and fixation using glue is a simple, safe, and non-expensive method. Operative procedure are not prolonged. The cosmetic appearance, realignment and fusion of bone flap was achieved. Further neuroimaging methods are not prohibited. Glue is suitable for the growing skull of children. Glue is suitable in compound depressed fractures of the skull with possibility of infection.

Corresponding author : Ahmed Sultan