What is the medical terminology for a surgical procedure that fixes skull defects?

The term that specifically refers to a surgical procedure intended to repair or reconstruct defects in the skull is cranioplasty. This procedure often involves the use of materials like bone grafts, synthetic implants, or other techniques to restore the skull's structure and function after trauma, surgery, or congenital issues. Cranioplasty aims to protect the brain and restore the skull's contour, thereby addressing both aesthetic and functional considerations.

In contrast, craniotomy is the surgical procedure where a portion of the skull is temporarily removed to allow access to the brain for various types of neurosurgical treatments. Craniectomy, on the other hand, involves the permanent removal of a section of the skull, typically performed to alleviate pressure from brain swelling or injury. Neurosurgery is a broader term that encompasses all surgical procedures related to the nervous system, including the brain and spine, but does not specifically refer to the repair of skull defects.