Restoring the Skull’s Form and Appearance Through Neuroplastic Surgery — Dennis’ Story

Life-saving surgery in Tanzania after a two-story fall left Dennis, then age 20, alive, but with 45% of his skull missing. Stalled in his recovery due to incomplete wound healing and underlying bone infection, Dennis turned to Johns Hopkins neuroplastic surgeon Chad Gordon and neurosurgeon Judy Huang, who devised a two-surgery approach. The first procedure addressed the infected bone segment that was causing severe deformity, and the second offered a transformative solution: a custom implant to shape Dennis’ head, replace the missing skull and protect his brain. Now fully healed, Dennis can play soccer and return to school.