Histopathologic and microdensitometric analysis of craniotomy bone flaps preserved between abdominal fat and muscle.

In this study we have investigated the preservation of craniotomy bone flaps within the abdominal wall and the use of such bone flaps for cranioplasty in the early postoperative period. The craniotomy flaps were implanted into a "pocket" between abdominal fat and muscle of adult rabbits, and were later used as autologous grafts in cranioplasty. The flaps were analyzed by histopathologic and microdensitometric methods. In 36 of the flaps, new bone formation near the periosteum was observed. The bone flap-cranium relationship was supplied by a bony tissue. Microdensitometric analysis showed increased optic densities in the experimental group.