How Can My Titanium Skull Implants Be Replaced?

Q: Dr. Eppley, about a year ago I received a blow to the head from the rear causing a depressed skull fracture. The fractured skull segments were removed and replaced with a titanium material.  But there is the emergence of the head of the screws now seen through the scalp. Are there other ways to patche skull defects without these materials?

A: It is very common when scalp swelling goes down over time that the metal mesh and screwheads become apparent through the skin on skull reconstructive surgery. This is particularly evident in the forehead although it can be seen all over the scalp. In some cases, just the screws can be removed and leave the titanium mesh behind. But if one wants to remove all metal material, the titanium can be removed and replaced with a skull reshaping bone cement that will leave a smooth surface and no risk of visibility through the scalp.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana