Cranioplasty Timing After Decompressive Craniectomy: A Meta-Analysis of 4703 Patients

Our findings suggest that early CP is associated with improved neurological function and greater daily independence, reflected by higher Karnofsky performance scale, Barthel Index, functional independence measure, and activities of daily living scores, without a significant increase in overall complication rates compared with late CP after DC. However, hydrocephalus appears more frequently after early CP. Standardized, multicenter prospective studies using consistent timing definitions are needed to refine individualized CP strategies.