The split calvarial graft donor site in the elderly: a study in cadavers.

In 37 cadavers of average age 75.5 years, the calvarium was studied. In all, the diploe and outer and inner tables were found to be definite layers. Although the parietal bone thickness did decrease with age in this study, there was no correlation between age and the outer table or diploe thickness. No significant change with age occurred in the occipital bone. Although this study supports the use of split calvarial grafts in older patients without the necessity for a craniotomy, the relative brittleness of this bone in this population should be considered.