Using hydroxylapatite ceramic buttons covered with periosteum to prevent cerebrospinal fluid leakage: technical note.

Abstract

Many attempts have been made to prevent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage, but the procedures proposed to date are troublesome and not promising. We describe a method of completely preventing CSF leakage using hydroxylapatite ceramics. Exposed frontal sinus, mastoid air cells, and frontal base defects caused by fracture are covered with periosteum or fascia and plugged with a trimmed hydroxylapatite ceramic button. There was no CSF leakage, postoperative meningitis, or other complication related to the technique in a consecutive series of 25 patients treated using this procedure. The use of this easy and quick technique may prevent CSF leakage completely.