[Split rib cranioplasty].

Presented are an operative technique and clinical indications for split rib cranioplasty, and the results of its practical application. This technique was applied to 6 patients, in five of whom infection after previous cranioplasty had been noted before split rib cranioplasty. Two patients out of the 5 had been suffering from inveterate and repetitive postoperative infections; one patient had been operated on twice and the other three times, respectively. Operative results were excellent without serious and/or infectious complications, except initially in one patient who presented hemothorax after rib harvest. This method can be applied for those who have extensive defect of the skull or who need additional reconstruction using split rib graft because of infectious complications after previously performed cranioplasty. This technique also has the following advantage; cranial contour is easy to reconstruct and good cosmetic results can be expected.