City hospital carries out first titanium skull implant

A cranioplasty procedure performed at Parvathy Hospital, an ortho and neuro speciality centre, on a 26-year-old road accident victim involved a customised titanium plate to cover the damaged portion of the skull. 

Addressing the media on Thursday, Dr Eliyas Basha K, senior consultant neurosurgeon, spine and endoscopic surgeon and stem cell therapist, said that this was the first time a titanium plate has been implanted in a patient in Tamil Nadu. He added, “After being operated immediately following the accident, a part of his skull was still open. A layer formed over it in some days. We had to wait for a few months for performing the implant, as there was considerable brain swelling following the injury.” 

After thorough research on the most suited material for the implant, the doctor zeroed in on titanium as the best option. After several images of the skull through CT scan and detailed analysis, 3D data was used to make a model of the skull with the defect. Soon, a wax or acrylic model was created by a company in Kerala and an approval was sought from the neurosurgeon. The titanium implant was made based on the model. 

“The implant had to be fitted carefully, keeping in mind the aesthetic and functional aspects. The patient shouldn’t feel uncomfortable carrying out day-to-day activities like combing hair,” he added. The total cost of the procedure was Rs 1 lakh and implant was Rs 30,000. Doctors add that the cost of the implant would wary according to the size. Doctors also say that the implant would be a great option for those with tumour that leaves the skull damaged.

Titanium is one of the best suited implant material, according to doctors. It is durable, strong and non-corrosive. Apart from cutting down surgery time to 2/3rd of the time as the implant is already designed and moulded, it also reduces costs.