Epidural haematoma by Mayfield head-holder®: Case report and review of literature

Abstract

A lot of neurosurgical interventions require the use of a pin-type head-holder to immobilize the patients' head. We report the case of an epidural haematoma caused by penetration of head holders' pin in a 7-year-old boy. The haematoma was showed by a head CT-scan at the end of surgery performed to treat a cerebellar astrocytoma that was managed surgically. Mmany factors seem to contribute to elevate the risk of complications due to the use of the Mayfield head-holder. Prevention and management measures are discussed also through a review of literature.