Introduction Cranial defects may arise due to trauma, infection, surgical ablation or errors in development. Restoration of such defects is important for esthetics, function and morale of the patient. Several materials are available. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Search is on for an ideal material. Autogenous grafts remain the gold standard in reconstruction of such defects. However, the morbidity associated with their harvest, additional time required, the need for a second surgical site and the limited supply has led to the search for newer substitutes. Although many materials are available today including biologic and non biologic substitutes, there is still no consensus about the best material. In this article we describe our use of calcium phosphate cements for reconstruction of hemispherical cranial defects. Materials and Methods Cases requiring reconstruction of hemispherical cranial defects (more than 15 cm in any dimension) were selected for study. After exposing the defect under GA, titanium mesh was adapted to the defect for support. Then the calcium phosphate cement was prepared and injected on the mesh to establish good contour. The alloplastic insert in each patient was evaluated for: (a) Immediate post-operative complications (b) Restoration of contour and soft tissue support (c) New bone formation ascertained on HRCT at the end of 2 years. Patients were examined on postoperative first week, at 3 and at 6 months.High resolution computed tomography scans were taken at 2 years postop. There were two female and three male patients. Results There were no complications in the post operative period. The general condition of the patients improved post operatively. Even though the cements maintained their contour at 2 years, there were no signs of bone formation within the cement. Conclusion Calcium phosphate cement is a good bone substitute for use in cranioplasty. In defects requiring mechanical strength, it should be supported by a titanium mesh. It retains the contour but is not replaced by bone even after 2 years.

The maxillofacial region can be affected by a number of subcutaneous pathologic conditions that include developmental, inflammatory, infective and neoplastic entities. Many of these lesions present as a soft to firm painless swelling. Differential diagnosis of such lesions requires thorough knowledge of maxillofacial pathology as well as anatomy to come to a correct diagnosis and provide effective treatment. Misdiagnosis and improper treatment can lead to other complications and morbidity. The commonly encountered lesions include dermoid cysts, branchial cysts, lipoma and thyroglossal cyst. Dermoid cysts are dysontogenetic cysts rarely involving the maxillofacial region (1.6-7% of all dermoid cysts of the body). The most common site of involvement in the maxillofacial region is near the frontozygomatic suture followed by cervical region. Some lesions have a deep component which may involve the cranial or orbital cavities. This is a retrospective study of the cases managed at our center from 2001 to 2017. Of the 12 cases in our study, all but one was involving the floor of the mouth. There were 11 males and 1 female. Swelling was the only symptom. The patients age ranged from 16 to 34 years (Table 2). The cysts were present for a period ranging from 6 months to 5 years at the time of reporting. All cases were managed with enucleation. The patients are on follow-up with no report of recurrence. The period of follow-up was 1 to 16 years. There were no complications postoperatively.