Overview
The Reconstructive Craniofacial Center at Cleveland Clinic is a specialized, multidisciplinary effort instituted to optimize the care of patients with complex tissue and skull defects that follow trauma, decompressive craniotomy and craniectomy, tumor, infection, and non-healing wounds.
The team includes experts in neurosurgery, plastic surgery, neurology, radiology, anesthesiology, nursing, biomedical engineering and rehabilitation to ensure a smooth transition each step along the way. Each member brings extensive experience treating cranial defects and shares the common goal of achieving superior clinical outcomes without compromising safety.
We aim to provide an environment of personal attention that our patients deserve and emphasize a culture of collaboration to maintain the highest level of clinical care. We are also focused on developing innovative approaches to craniofacial reconstruction and investigating and incorporating the latest treatments. Expedited access to our team, as well as communication with our referring primary care physicians and specialists, are our priorities.
Our Team
Plastic Surgery
Neurosurgery
Biomedical Engineering
Ryan Klatte, BSBME
Before and After Photos
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44 year old presented with a very large skull defect following subarachnoid hemorrhage, infection and loss of bone flap. Following eradication of the infection the composite skin and bone defect was reconstructed with a free latissimus dorsi and two vascularized ribs flap. The patient underwent one revision to correct the soft tissue excess one year after the reconstruction. The postoperative pictures show the patient after 4 years with good correction of deformity and no recurrence of infection.
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44 year old presented with a very large skull defect following subarachnoid hemorrhage, infection and loss of bone flap. Following eradication of the infection the composite skin and bone defect was reconstructed with a free latissimus dorsi and two vascularized ribs flap. The patient underwent one revision to correct the soft tissue excess one year after the reconstruction. The postoperative pictures show the patient after 4 years with good correction of deformity and no recurrence of infection.
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8 year old presented with exposed titanium mesh in the occipital area following chemoradiation for an intracranial malignancy. Titanium mesh was removed and the defect reconstructed with a vascularized anterolateral thigh flap.
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8 year old presented with exposed titanium mesh in the occipital area following chemoradiation for an intracranial malignancy. Titanium mesh was removed and the defect reconstructed with a vascularized anterolateral thigh flap.
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19 year old presented with multiple skull defects following intracranial hemorrhage and partial resorption of bone flap. Because of presence of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt and multiple previous procedures a decision was made to perform a reconstruction with a medpore onlay implant.
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19 year old presented with multiple skull defects following intracranial hemorrhage and partial resorption of bone flap. Because of presence of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt and multiple previous procedures a decision was made to perform a reconstruction with a medpore onlay implant.
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30 year old reported a previous skull trauma with bone loss. He underwent reconstruction in a single stage of the soft tissue and skull with a free vascularized latissimus dorsi muscle flap and one vascularized rib from the chest. This is 3 years post-surgery.
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30 year old reported a previous skull trauma with bone loss. He underwent reconstruction in a single stage of the soft tissue and skull with a free vascularized latissimus dorsi muscle flap and one vascularized rib from the chest. This is 3 years post-surgery.
What We Treat
- Cranioplasty.
- Skull defect.
- Skull infection.
- Skull non-healing wound.
- Skull osteomyelitis.
- Sinking Skin Flap Syndrome.
- Syndrome of the trephined.
- CSF leak.
- Decompressive craniotomy.
- Craniectomy.
- Brain tumor.
Appointments
If you would like to make an appointment with an expert in the Reconstructive Craniofacial Center please call 216.445.4726.
