Downloads: 0
Original Research | Dentistry | Volume 15 Issue 5, May 2026 | Pages: 122 - 129 | India
The Impact of Cranioplasty on Functional and Cognitive Outcomes in Patients with Cranial Defects
Abstract: Background: Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is a life-saving neurosurgical procedure used to manage refractory intracranial hypertension following traumatic brain injury, stroke, or other conditions. Patients with cranial defects often experience physical, cognitive, and psychosocial impairments that reduce quality of life (QoL). Cranioplasty (CR) restores cranial integrity and is thought to enhance neurological recovery and social reintegration. Objective: This retrospective study evaluates the impact of cranioplasty on functional and cognitive outcomes in patients with cranial defects following traumatic brain injury or elective craniotomy. Material & Methodology: The study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital between January 2019 and January 2025 and included 30 patients (26 males, 4 females) aged 21-70 years who underwent cranioplasty after decompressive craniectomy. Etiopathogenesis comprised 20 cases due to road traffic accidents (RTA) and 10 cases secondary to cerebrovascular accidents (CVA). Functional and cognitive outcomes were assessed using validated tools, including the Modified Rankin Scale (mRS), Barthel Index (BI), and Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended (GOSE), at different time points following decompressive craniectomy (DC) and subsequent cranioplasty (CR). The findings demonstrate patients with persistently low Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores at three months post-decompressive craniectomy showed limited or no benefit from the procedure. Conclusion: Cranioplasty significantly improves quality of life in patients following decompressive craniectomy, with benefits extending beyond cosmetic restoration.
Keywords: Modified Rankin Scale (mRS), Barthel Index (BI), Glasgow Coma Scale Glasgow Outcome Scale?Extended (GOSE), decompressive craniotomy, cranioplasty, Quality of life
How to Cite?: Kumari Pushpa, Roy ID, Mishra AK, Chakranarayan Ashish, Sudan MD, Kapri Anita, Rahman Serat, "The Impact of Cranioplasty on Functional and Cognitive Outcomes in Patients with Cranial Defects", Volume 15 Issue 5, May 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 122-129, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26501210947, DOI: https://dx.dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26501210947