What is a dura mater graft?

A dura mater graft is a surgical implant made from the dura mater, the tough outer membrane covering the brain and spinal cord, or from synthetic materials designed to mimic its properties. It is used in neurosurgery to repair defects, such as those caused by trauma or disease, in the protective covering of the central nervous system. The graft helps to restore the integrity of the dura, preventing cerebrospinal fluid leaks and protecting the underlying neural structures. Dura mater grafts can be sourced from the patient's own tissue (autograft), cadaver tissue (allograft), or be made from synthetic materials.