Lessons Learned about the Mayfield-Type Cranial Fixation System

Abstract

Introduction: Cranial fixation systems are instruments frequently used in cranial and spinal neurosurgical interventions to allow rigid fixation of the patient's head, despite their careful use, they are not free from systemic and intracranial complications. Method: A literature review was carried out in the PubMed database to extract original articles published between the years 1990 to 2021 with the following terms: “Mayfield skull clamp”, “Mayfield head clamp”, “Skull clamp” and “Pin-type head fixation device”. Results: 47 articles were selected that met the citation criteria, respective impacts, and content. Conclusion: The meticulous use of the cranial fixation system has greatly reduced its complications.