Spring mediated dynamic craniofacial reshaping. Case report

Child-Patient Perspective on Results After Correction of Sagittal Synostosis and the Difference Between Child-Patient and Parent's Perspectives

OBJECTIVE

This study assesses the level of child-patient satisfaction with the surgical result after scaphocephaly correction and the difference between child-patient and parents' perspectives.

METHODS

A questionnaire was sent out to children between 6 and 18 years old with isolated sagittal synostosis, who had undergone either a frontobiparietal remodeling or extended strip craniotomy, and separately to their parents.

RESULTS

The questionnaire was completed by 96 patients, 81.2% of the patients considered their head to be similar or slightly different from others. Despite the majority being satisfied with the outcome, 33% would change the shape of their head if they could. Patients who underwent extended strip craniotomy wanted to change the back of their head more often ( P = 0.002), whereas patients who underwent frontobiparietal remodeling wanted to change their forehead ( P = 0.005). The patients' own perspective on head shape was independent of the cephalic index (CI). However, patients with a relatively narrow CI received more remarks from others about their heads ( P = 0.038). Parent and child agreement was 49.7% on average. Differences between child-patients and parents were found in reporting adaptive behavior.

CONCLUSION

The majority of patients were satisfied with the outcome of their intervention. The child's perspective seems to be a valuable addition to evaluate sagittal synostosis surgery as it is independent of the CI and differentiates between different surgical techniques. In addition, the patient's perspective is comparable to the parent's perspective, but gives more details on adaptive behavior.

The Top 100 Most-Cited Publications in Clinical Craniofacial Research

INTRODUCTION

Craniosynostosis is a birth defect defined as premature closure of sutures leading to possible neurological deficits and cosmetic deformities. Most of the current literature to date focuses on craniosynostosis etiology by analyzing genetics. This paper is a bibliometric analysis of the most influential works related to the clinical management of craniosynostosis to help guide clinicians in their decision-making.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Clarivate Web of Science database was used to identify the top 100 most-cited articles addressing the clinical management of craniosynostosis. A bibliometric review was performed to analyze publication metrics and track research trends.

RESULTS

The 100 most-cited publications pertaining to craniosynostosis management were cited a cumulative 12,779 times. The highest cited article was Shillito and colleagues' "Craniosynostosis: A Review Of 519 Surgical Patients" with 352 citations. The oldest clinical craniosynostosis article dates back to 1948, and the most recent was published in 2016. The year with the most clinical-focused publications was 2011. The most prolific author was Renier, D. The United States produced 56 of the 100 articles. Most articles (n=52) were level 3 evidence.

DISCUSSION

This bibliometric evaluation of craniosynostosis provides insight into the most impactful literature on this topic. The highest cited articles retrospectively analyze large sample sizes, outline proper evaluation, discuss intervention timelines, and highlight specific treatment plans for this birth defect. By filtering through existing literature, this analysis can guide clinicians on the management of craniosynostosis to maximize patient outcomes.

Metopic craniosynostosis: Dynamic cranioplasty for trigonocephaly versus fronto-orbital remodeling and advancement - A retrospective study

The aim of this study was to compare a traditional fronto-orbital remodeling and advancement (FORA) with the dynamic cranioplasty for trigonocephaly (DCT). The authors analyzed patients who underwent surgery for trigonocephaly. Perioperative data were compared. Parents were asked to use a visual analog scale to evaluate the pre- and postoperative distance between the eyes, the forehead shape, and the global appearance of the face. A panel of observers was asked to grade pre- and postoperative photographs using a similar visual analog scale. Pre- and postoperative anthropometric data were collected and analyzed in a subset of the study population aged 9 years or older. The total sample size was 51 patients (DCT n = 39; FORA n = 12). Durations of surgery and anesthesia were shorter in the DCT group (115 vs 194 min, p = 0.001; 226 vs 289 min, p = 0.001). Patients in the DCT group received similar preoperative ratings to those in the FORA group, but significantly higher postoperative ratings by parents for all three questions. There were no significant differences in postoperative ratings by the panel or postoperative anthropometric data. DCT is safe and effective. It is preferred over FORA because it is associated with shorter durations of surgery and anesthesia, while providing higher degrees of parental satisfaction and similar aesthetic and anthropometric outcomes.

Long-term results of minimally invasive strip craniectomy without helmet therapy for scaphocephaly - a single-centre experience

Scaphocephaly is the most common type of craniosynostosis and various surgical techniques are used for treatment. Due to late postoperative changes of the head shape, long-term outcome data is important for evaluating any new surgical technique. At our institution, minimally invasive strip craniectomy without regular helmet therapy is the standard treatment in scaphocephalic patients. Between October 2021 and February 2023, we retrospectively examined the skull shape of patients who underwent minimally invasive strip craniectomy for scaphocephaly using a 3D surface scan technique. The cephalic index (CI), the need for helmet therapy and additional cosmetic outcome parameters were investigated. We included 70 patients (72.5% male). The mean follow-up time was 46 (10-125) months and the mean CI was 75.7 (66.7-85.2). In 58 patients, the final cosmetic result was rated as "excellent/good" (mean CI: 76.3; 70.4-85.0), in 11 as "intermediate" (mean CI: 73.3; 66.7-77.6), and in one case as "unsatisfactory" (CI 69.3). The presence of a suboccipital protrusion was associated with a "less than good" outcome. The CI correlated significantly with the overall outcome, the presence of frontal bossing, and the interval between scan and surgery (age at scan). Minimally invasive strip craniectomy is an elegant and safe method to correct scaphocephaly. Our data show good cosmetic results in the long term even without regular postoperative helmet therapy.

Understanding the influence of surgical parameters on craniofacial surgery outcomes: a computational study

Sagittal craniosynostosis (SC) is a congenital condition whereby the newborn skull develops abnormally owing to the premature ossification of the sagittal suture. Spring-assisted cranioplasty (SAC) is a minimally invasive surgical technique to treat SC, where metallic distractors are used to reshape the newborn's head. Although safe and effective, SAC outcomes remain uncertain owing to the limited understanding of skull-distractor interaction and the limited information provided by the analysis of single surgical cases. In this work, an SC population-averaged skull model was created and used to simulate spring insertion by means of the finite-element analysis using a previously developed modelling framework. Surgical parameters were varied to assess the effect of osteotomy and spring positioning, as well as distractor combinations, on the final skull dimensions. Simulation trends were compared with retrospective measurements from clinical imaging (X-ray and three-dimensional photogrammetry scans). It was found that the on-table post-implantation head shape change is more sensitive to spring stiffness than to the other surgical parameters. However, the overall end-of-treatment head shape is more sensitive to spring positioning and osteotomy size parameters. The results of this work suggest that SAC surgical planning should be performed in view of long-term results, rather than immediate on-table reshaping outcomes.

Research progress and perspective of metallic implant biomaterials for craniomaxillofacial surgeries

Craniomaxillofacial bone serves a variety of functions. However, the increasing number of cases of craniomaxillofacial bone injury and the use of selective rare implants make the treatment difficult, and the cure rate is low. If such a bone injury is not properly treated, it can lead to a slew of complications that can seriously disrupt a patient's daily life. For example, premature closure of cranial sutures or skull fractures can lead to increased intracranial pressure, which can lead to headaches, vomiting, and even brain hernia. At present, implant placement is one of the most common approaches to repair craniomaxillofacial bone injury or abnormal closure, especially with biomedical metallic implants. This review analyzes the research progress in the design and development of degradable and non-degradable metallic implants in craniomaxillofacial surgery. The mechanical properties, corrosion behaviours, as well as in vitro and in vivo performances of these materials are summarized. The challenges and future research directions of metallic biomaterials used in craniomaxillofacial surgery are also identified.

Technical evolution of pediatric neurosurgery: craniosynostosis from 1972 to 2023 and beyond

Very few clinical entities have undergone so many different treatment approaches over such a short period of time as craniosynostosis. Surgical treatments for this condition have ranged from simple linear craniectomies, accounting for the specific role of cranial sutures in assuring the normal growth of the skull, to more complex cranial vault reconstructions, based on the perceived role of the skull base in affecting the growth of the skull. While a great deal of evolution has occurred, there remains controversy regarding the ideal treatment including the best surgical technique, the optimal age for surgery, and the long-term morphological and neurodevelopmental outcomes. The evolution of the surgical management of craniosynostosis in the last 50 years has been affected by several factors. This includes the awareness of needing to operate on affected children during infancy to achieve the best results, the use of multistage operations, the availability of more sophisticated surgical tools, and improved perioperative care. In some forms of craniosynostosis, the operations can be carried out at a very young age with low morbidity, and with the postoperative use of a molding helmet, springs, or distractors, these operations prove to be as effective as traditional larger cranial reconstructions performed in older children. As a consequence, complex surgical operations have become progressively less utilized. A second relevant advance was the more recent advent of a molecular diagnosis, which allowed us to understand the pathogenesis of some associated malformations and neurodevelopmental issues that were observed in some children despite appropriate surgical treatment. Future research should focus on improving the analysis of longer-term outcomes and understanding the natural history of craniofacial conditions, including what issues persist despite optimal surgical correction. Progress in molecular investigations concerning the normal and pathological development of cranial sutures could be a further significant step in the management of craniosynostosis, possibly favoring a "medical" treatment in the near future. Artificial intelligence will likely have a role in establishing the diagnosis with less reliance on radiographic studies and in assisting with surgical planning. Overall, much progress has been made, but there remains much to do.

Combined Dynamic Osteotomies for Craniosynostosis

Background

In primary craniosynostosis, the premature fusion of one or more sutures prevents the perpendicular expansion of brain tissue (primary defect). Providing space for the brain to expand, the compensatory growth of unaffected sutures causes progressive skull deformation (secondary defect). Understanding the need to treat the osteogenic matrix responsible for the cranial vault's shape was essential to develop a novel surgical concept known as dynamic osteotomy. It uses springs to activate stenotic sutures and trigger dura-mater distension while flexibilizing compensatory osseous defects via helicoid osteotomy (nautilus technique), allowing for efficient bone expansion and remodeling in craniosynostosis.

Method

This case series describes patients with craniosynostosis treated with dynamic osteotomy utilizing structural transformation inductors such as springs and helicoid osteotomy (nautilus technique), operated on between July 2004 and January 2020 at a single center in Brazil.

Result

Dynamic osteotomy longitudinally achieved stable osseous remodeling during growth period while maintaining good vitality and continuity of the osteotomized cranial vault.

Conclusion

Dynamic osteotomy utilizing springs and nautilus technique, alone or in combination, is a successful treatment of craniosynostosis regardless of patient's age.

Posterior Cranial Retraction Combined With Bilateral Parietal Distraction for Children With Nonsyndromic Craniosynostosis

BACKGROUND

The nonsyndromic craniosynostosis is the most common of craniosynostoses in childhood. There are many treatments. We aim to treat 12 cases of nonsyndromic craniosynostosis via posterior cranial vault distraction osteogenesis combined with bilateral parietal distraction.

METHODS

Data of a total of 12 patients (7 boys and 5 girls) with nonsyndromic sagittal synostosis who underwent distraction osteogenesis between January 2015 and August 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Bilateral parietal bone flaps and posterior occipital flaps were designed and cut. Then, distraction device was placed, which was distracted at 5 days after surgery (twice per day, 0.4-0.6 mm/d, and lasting for 10-15 days). After 6 months of fixation, the secondary surgery was performed to remove the device.

RESULTS

The scaphocephaly was corrected, and the appearance was satisfactory. Postoperative follow-up time was 6 to 14 months, with an average of 10 months, and the mean CI was 63.2 and 78.25 before and after surgery, respectively; the mean anterior-posterior skull diameter was shortened (12.63 ± 3.47) mm, the transverse diameter of both temporal regions was lengthened (15.4 ± 4.18) mm, and the scaphocephalic deformity was significantly improved. There was no detachment or rupture of the extender postoperatively. No severe complications, such as radiation necrosis or intracranial infection, were observed.

CONCLUSION

Posterior cranial retraction combined with bilateral parietal distraction in children with nonsyndromic craniosynostosis, in which the proposed technique did not exhibit severe complications, and it is worthy of further promotion and application in clinical practice.

Two-Center Review of Posterior Vault Expansion following a Staged or Expectant Treatment of Crouzon and Apert Craniosynostosis

BACKGROUND

The timing of posterior cranial expansion for the management of intracranial pressure can be "staged" by age and dysmorphology or "expectant" by pressure monitoring. The authors report shared outcome measures from one center performing posterior vault remodeling (PCVR) or distraction (PVDO) following a staged approach and another performing spring-assisted expansion (SAPVE) following an expectant protocol.

METHODS

Apert or Crouzon syndrome patients who underwent posterior expansion younger than 2 years were included. Perioperative outcomes and subsequent cranial operations were recorded up to last follow-up and intracranial volume changes measured and adjusted using growth curves.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight patients were included. Following the expectant protocol, Apert patients underwent SAPVE at a younger age (8 months) than Crouzon patients (16 months). The initial surgery time was shorter but total operative time, including device removal, was longer for PVDO (3 hours 52 minutes) and SAPVE (4 hours 34 minutes) than for PCVR (3 hours 24 minutes). Growth-adjusted volume increase was significant and comparable. Fourteen percent of PCVR, 33% of PVDO, and 11% of SAPVE cases had complications, but without long-term deficits. Following the staged approach, 5% underwent only PVDO, 85% had a staged posterior followed by anterior surgery, and 10% required a third expansion. Following the expectant approach, 42% of patients had only posterior expansion at last follow-up, 32% had a secondary cranial surgery, and 26% had a third cranial expansion.

CONCLUSION

Two approaches involving posterior vault expansion in young syndromic patients using three techniques resulted in comparable early volume expansion and complication profiles.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, III.

Introduction of Spring-Assisted Cranioplasty for Sagittal Craniosynostosis in a Craniofacial Service: A Report of Early Experience

Spring-assisted cranioplasty (SAC) for the treatment of craniosynostosis uses internal springs to produce dynamic changes in cranial shape over several months before its removal. The purpose of this study was to report the first Egyptian experiences with SAC in the treatment of children with sagittal synostosis and evaluate the preliminary outcome. A total of 17 consecutive patients with scaphocephaly underwent SAC with a midline osteotomy along the fused sagittal suture and insertion of 3 springs with bayonet-shaped ends across the opened suture. Operative time, blood transfusion requirements and length of ICU, total hospital stay, and complications graded according to Oxford protocol classification were recorded. Spring removal was performed once re-ossification of the cranial defect occurred. All patients successfully underwent SAC without significant complications. The mean age at surgery was 6.8 months. The mean time of the spring insertion surgery was 63 minutes (SD 9.7). Blood transfusion was needed in less than half of the patients (41.2%).The mean duration of hospital stay was 3.2 days. The mean timing of spring removal was 5.5 months (SD 0.4). The mean time of the second surgery (spring removal) was 22.8 minutes (SD 3.6). In conclusion, SAC can easily be incorporated into the treatment armamentarium of craniofacial surgeons. The technique offers a safe and minimally invasive option for the treatment of sagittal craniosynostosis with the benefit of limited dural undermining, minimal blood loss, operative time, anesthetic time, ICU stay, and hospital stay.

Endoscopic strip craniectomy with molding helmet therapy versus spring-assisted cranioplasty for nonsyndromic single-suture sagittal craniosynostosis: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

Endoscopic strip craniectomy with postoperative molding helmet therapy (ESC-H) and spring-assisted cranioplasty (SAC) are commonly used minimally invasive techniques for correction of nonsyndromic sagittal craniosynostosis, but it is unclear which, if either, is superior. Therefore, the authors undertook a systematic review to compare ESC-H with SAC for the surgical management of nonsyndromic single-suture sagittal craniosynostosis.

METHODS

Studies were identified through a systematic and comprehensive search of four databases (Embase, MEDLINE, and two databases in the Cochrane Library). Databases were searched from inception until February 19, 2021. Pediatric patients undergoing either ESC-H or SAC for the management of nonsyndromic single-suture sagittal craniosynostosis were included. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses, single-patient case reports, mixed cohorts of nonsyndromic and syndromic patients, mixed cohorts of different craniosynostosis types, and studies in which no outcomes of interest were reported were excluded. Outcomes of interest included reoperations, blood transfusion, complications, postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) admission, operative time, estimated blood loss, length of hospital stay, and cephalic index. Pooled summary cohort characteristics were calculated for each outcome of interest. Methodological quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The study was reported in accordance with the 2020 PRISMA statement.

RESULTS

Twenty-two studies were eligible for inclusion in the review, including 1094 patients, of whom 605 (55.3%) underwent ESC-H and 489 (44.7%) underwent SAC for nonsyndromic sagittal craniosynostosis. There was no difference between the pooled estimates of the ESC-H and SAC groups for operative time, length of stay, estimated blood loss, and cephalic index. There was no difference between the groups for reoperation rate and complication rate. However, ESC-H was associated with a higher blood transfusion rate and higher postoperative ICU admission.

CONCLUSIONS

The available literature does not demonstrate superiority of either ESC-H or SAC, and outcomes are broadly similar for the treatment of nonsyndromic sagittal craniosynostosis. However, the evidence is limited by single-center retrospective studies with low methodological quality. There is a need for international multicenter randomized controlled trials comparing both techniques to gain definitive and generalizable data.

Management of Sagittal and Lambdoid Craniosynostosis: Minimally Invasive Approaches

The resurgence of strip craniectomies began in the mid-1990s with advances in surgical technique and anesthesia coupled with the critical observation that earlier interventions benefitted from an easily molded skull. Jimenez and Barone's pioneering introduction of endoscopic approaches to strip craniectomies coupled with postoperative helmeting in newborns and young infants and Claes Lauritzen's introduction of spring-mediated cranioplasty began the era of minimally invasive approaches in the surgical correction of craniosynostosis. This article provides technical descriptions of these treatment modalities, a comparative literature review, and our institutional algorithms for the correction of sagittal craniosynostosis and unilambdoid craniosynostosis.

Update in Management of Craniosynostosis

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After studying this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Understand the craniofacial dysmorphology of craniosynostosis, and the variation of each type. 2. Identify the functional concerns and learn the rationale behind timing of operative intervention. 3. Approach each dysmorphology critically and identify the operative intervention needed to improve form and function 4. Understand and address the specific issues related to syndromic craniosynostosis and be able to delineate management plan.

SUMMARY

Craniosynostosis is a condition in which premature fusion of one or more cranial sutures lead to abnormal head shape and growth restriction of the brain. Nonsyndromic craniosynostosis occurs in isolation, and usually involves a single suture, whereas syndromic craniosynostosis may involve multiple sutures and is associated with extracraniofacial findings. Although surgical management can be similar, the treatment plan must take into consideration issues specific to the syndromes. This article aims to provide a concise overview of the authors' current understanding regarding the presentation, treatment principle, surgical option, and debates in craniosynostosis.

Endoscopic strip craniectomy with orthotic helmeting for safe improvement of head growth in children with Apert syndrome

OBJECTIVE

Bilateral coronal craniosynostosis in Apert syndrome is traditionally managed with open cranial vault remodeling procedures like fronto-orbital advancement (FOA). However, as minimally invasive procedures gain popularity, limited data exist to determine their efficacy in this syndromic population. This study examines whether endoscopic strip craniectomy (ESC) is inferior to FOA in correcting head growth in patients with Apert syndrome.

METHODS

The authors conducted a retrospective review of children with Apert syndrome over a 23-year period. Postoperative head circumferences until 24 months of age were compared for patients treated with ESC versus FOA by using normative growth curves. Intraoperative and postoperative morbidity was compared between groups.

RESULTS

The median postoperative follow-up for the FOA (n = 14) and ESC (n = 16) groups was 40 and 28.5 months, the median age at operation was 12.8 and 2.7 months, and the median operative time was 285 and 65 minutes, respectively (p < 0.001). The FOA group had significantly higher rates of blood transfusion, ICU admission, and longer hospital length of stay (p < 0.01). There were no statistically significant differences in premature reossification rates, complications, need for further procedures, or complaints of asymmetry. Compared to normative growth curves, all patients in both groups had head circumferences comparable to or above the 85th percentile at last follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Children with Apert syndrome and bilateral coronal craniosynostosis treated with ESC experience early normalization of head growth and cephalic index that is not inferior to those treated with FOA. Longer-term assessments are needed to determine long-term aesthetic results and the correlation between head growth and neurocognitive development in this population.

What is the Role of Force in Correcting Scaphocephaly Through Spring-Mediated Cranial Vault Expansion for Sagittal Craniosynostosis?

OBJECTIVES

Spring-mediated cranial vault expansion (SMC) may enable less invasive treatment of sagittal craniosynostosis than conventional methods. The influence of spring characteristics such as force, length, and quantity on cranial vault outcomes are not well understood. Using in vivo and ex vivo models, we evaluate the interaction between spring force, length, and quantity on correction of scaphocephalic deformity in patients undergoing SMC.

METHODS

The authors retrospectively studied subjects with isolated sagittal craniosynostosis who underwent SMC between 2011 and 2019. The primary outcome measure of in vivo analysis was head shape determined by cephalic index (CI). Ex vivo experimentation analyzed the impact of spring length, bend, and thickness on resultant force.

RESULTS

Eighty-nine subjects underwent SMC at median 3.4 months with median preoperative CI 69% (interquartile range: 66, 71%). Twenty-six and 63 subjects underwent SMC with 2 and 3 springs, with mean total force 20.1 and 27.6 N, respectively (P < 0.001).Postoperative CI increased from 71% to 74% and 68% to 77% in subjects undergoing 2- and 3-spring cranioplasty at the 6-month timepoint, respectively (P < 0.001). Total spring force correlated to increased change in CI (P < 0.002). Spring length was inversely related to transverse cranial expansion at Postoperative day 1, however, directly related at 1 and 3 months (P < 0.001). Ex vivo modeling of spring length was inversely related to spring force regardless of spring number (P < 0.0001). Ex vivo analysis demonstrated greater resultant force when utilizing wider, thicker springs independent of spring arm length and degree of compression.

CONCLUSIONS

A dynamic relationship among spring characteristics including length, bend, thickness, and quantity appear to influence SMC outcomes.

Predicting and comparing three corrective techniques for sagittal craniosynostosis

Sagittal synostosis is the most occurring form of craniosynostosis, resulting in calvarial deformation and possible long-term neurocognitive deficits. Several surgical techniques have been developed to correct these issues. Debates as to the most optimal approach are still ongoing. Finite element method is a computational tool that's shown to assist with the management of craniosynostosis. The aim of this study was to compare and predict the outcomes of three reconstruction methods for sagittal craniosynostosis. Here, a generic finite element model was developed based on a patient at 4 months of age and was virtually reconstructed under all three different techniques. Calvarial growth was simulated to predict the skull morphology and the impact of different reconstruction techniques on the brain growth up to 60 months of age. Predicted morphology was then compared with in vivo and literature data. Our results show a promising resemblance to morphological outcomes at follow up. Morphological characteristics between considered techniques were also captured in our predictions. Pressure outcomes across the brain highlight the potential impact that different techniques have on growth. This study lays the foundation for further investigation into additional reconstructive techniques for sagittal synostosis with the long-term vision of optimizing the management of craniosynostosis.

Posterior Cranial Vault Distraction Osteogenesis Utilizing a Posterior-Superior Distraction Vector in the Treatment of Mercedes Benz Pattern Craniosynostosis

ABSTRACT

Bilateral lambdoid and sagittal synostosis, or Mercedes Benz Syndrome, is a rare complex craniosynostosis resulting in frontal bossing, a tapered posterior fossa, and an anteriorly displaced cranial vertex. Its ideal surgical correction must result in posterior expansion, skull elongation, and caudal repositioning of the vertex. We present a craniometric analysis of skull changes with posterior-superior distraction and introduce a novel craniometric measure: vertex position. In this study, a retrospective review was performed to analyze outcomes of posterior cranial vault distraction osteogenesis (PVDO) using a posterior-superior distraction vector from 2016 to 2019. Cranial vertex position was measured as a fraction of the occipitofrontal diameter from rostral to caudal (0-1.0). Four patients underwent PVDO at mean age 10.61 ± 3.16 months utilizing a posterior-superior distraction vector. Linear distraction distance averaged 30.30 ± 0.90 mm with a mean consolidation period of 3.98 ± 0.72 months. Mean corrected change in intra-cranial volume was 236.30 ± 3.71 mL, at an average rate of 7.81 ± 2.00 mL/mm of distraction. Increases in anterior cranial height (7.83 ± 2.51 mm), middle cranial height (8.43 ± 4.21 mm), posterior cranial height (13.15 ± 7.45 mm), and posterior cranial fossa height (21.99 ± 8.55 mm) were observed. Cranial vertex demonstrated a mean posterior movement of 0.18 ± 0.13. PVDO utilizing a posterior-superior distraction vector for management of nonsyndromic bilateral lambdoid and sagittal synostosis effectively increases intracranial volume and height and provides an esthetic outcome with posterior movement of the cranial vertex.

Long-Term Neurocognitive Outcomes of Spring-Assisted Surgery versus Cranial Vault Remodeling for Sagittal Synostosis

BACKGROUND

A long-term neurocognitive comparison of patients with sagittal synostosis who underwent spring-assisted surgery or cranial vault remodeling has not been performed.

METHODS

Patients with sagittal synostosis who underwent spring-assisted surgery or cranial vault remodeling were recruited from Wake Forest School of Medicine and Yale School of Medicine, respectively. Cognitive tests administered included an abbreviated intelligence quotient, academic achievement, and visuomotor integration. An analysis of covariance model compared cohorts controlling for demographic variables.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine spring-assisted surgery and 36 cranial vault remodeling patients were included in the study. No significant differences between cohorts were found with respect to age at surgery, sex, race, birth weight, family income, or parental education. The cranial vault cohort had significantly older parental age (p < 0.001), and mean age at testing for the spring cohort was significantly higher (p = 0.001). After adjusting for covariates, the cranial vault cohort had significantly higher verbal intelligence quotient (116.5 versus 104.3; p = 0.0024), performance intelligence quotient (109.2 versus 101.5; p = 0.041), and full-scale intelligence quotient (114.3 versus 103.2; p = 0.0032). When included patients were limited to intelligence quotients from 80 to 120, the cranial vault cohort maintained higher verbal (108.0 versus 100.4; p = 0.036), performance (104.5 versus 97.7; p = 0.016), and full-scale (107.6 versus 101.5; p = 0.038) intelligence quotients. The cranial vault cohort had higher visuomotor integration scores than the surgery group (111.1 versus 98.1; p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in academic achievement.

CONCLUSIONS

Sagittal synostosis patients who underwent cranial vault remodeling had higher intelligence quotient and visuomotor integration scores. There were no differences in academic achievement. Both cohorts had intelligence quotient scores at or above the normal range. Further studies are warranted to identify factors that may contribute to cognitive outcome differences.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, II.

Comparisons of Intracranial Volume and Cephalic Index After Correction of Sagittal Craniosynostosis With Either Two or Three Springs

ABSTRACT

In this retrospective study, the authors determined changes in intracranial volume (ICV) and cephalic index (CI) in patients with sagittal craniosynostosis and operated with craniotomy combined with either 2 or 3 springs. The authors included patients (n = 112) with complete follow-up that had undergone surgical correction for isolated sagittal craniosynostosis with craniotomy combined with springs between 2008 and 2017. All patients underwent computed tomography examination preoperative, at the time of spring extraction, and at 3 years of age. Intracranial volume was measured using a semiautomatic MATLAB program, and CI was calculated as the width/length of the skull. The authors found that craniotomy combined with 2 springs increased the ICV from a preoperative value of 792 ± 113 mL (mean ± standard deviation) to 1298 ± 181 mL at 3 years of age and increased the CI from 72.1 ± 4.1 to 74.6 ± 4.3, whereas craniotomy combined with 3 springs increased the ICV from 779 ± 128 mL to 1283 ± 136 mL and the CI from 70.7 ± 4.3 to 74.8 ± 3.7. The relative increase in ICV was 65 ± 21% in the two-spring group and 68 ± 34% in the three-spring group (P value = 0.559), and the relative increase in CI was 3.6 ± 3.3% in the two-spring group as compared with 6.0 ± 5.0% in the three-spring group (P = 0.004). These findings demonstrated that use of 3 springs resulted in additional absolute and relative CI-specific effects as compared with 2 springs during the time when the springs were in place, with this effect maintained at 3 years of age.

Removal of cranial springs after spring-mediated cranioplasty

Cranial spring hardware is generally removed 3 months after placement for spring-mediated cranioplasty. Spring removal is performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia in approximately 15 minutes through the incision locations of the index procedure. Herein, the authors provide a multimedia demonstration of cranial spring hardware removal after spring-mediated cranioplasty for sagittal craniosynostosis.

The video can be found here: https://vimeo.com/511179695

Spring-mediated cranioplasty for sagittal craniosynostosis

Spring-mediated cranioplasty is a useful treatment modality for correcting scaphocephalic head shape in sagittal craniosynostosis because it is less invasive than whole-vault cranioplasty and offers durable morphologic outcomes. Herein, the authors provide a multimedia demonstration of alternative operative approaches for spring-mediated cranioplasty for sagittal craniosynostosis. The video can be found here: https://vimeo.com/511256259.

Disappointing results of spring-assisted cranial vault expansion in patients with Crouzon syndrome presenting with sagittal synostosis

The aim of this study was to report on a single center's experience with spring-assisted cranial vault expansion (SAE) in patients with Crouzon syndrome and sagittal suture synostosis. Strip craniotomy with SAE has resulted in successful outcomes with low complication and revision rates in patients with isolated scaphocephaly. However, recent experience suggests that outcomes in patients with Crouzon syndrome and sagittal synostosis (SS) who undergo SAE are less favorable compared with the outcomes of those who undergo frontobiparietal (FBP) expansion. The authors reviewed both operations performed at a single center and noticed an upward expansion of the skull, which may be related to ventriculomegaly, with concurrent intracranial hypertension and poor aesthetic outcome. All patients diagnosed with Crouzon syndrome and SS who were treated with SAE required a revision FBP operation. Based on this outcome, the authors consider Crouzon syndrome a contraindication for correcting SS with springs.

Craniofacial developmental concepts in dynamic osteotomies and the Nautilus technique: A procedure created in Brazil for the treatment of craniosynostosis

Craniofacial development is the major focus of attention in surgical treatments for craniosynostosis. Growth rate, size, shape, and proportion of soft tissue and bone structures of the skull and face are determinant factors in the establishment of the vital functions of swallowing and breathing, as well as in the aesthetic balance of facial features, so important for the patient's psychological identity. This manuscript revisits the concept of craniosynostosis and reviews the major biological and anatomical factors that come into play in the developmental process of craniofacial structures, especially during infancy and early childhood. It also describes the Nautilus surgical technique, a corrective procedure created and implemented in Brazil in 2011-how it was created and how it has evolved: as we look back into the past 10 years, we shed light onto what was learned, on our contributions to improve treatments over time, and on how much we still have to discover in this fascinating area.

Planning and Osteotomy Designs in the Correction of Single-Suture Craniosynostosis

BACKGROUND

Craniosynostosis is among the abnormalities that are more commonly encountered by craniofacial surgeons. Although the overall concepts for cranial vault remodeling are relatively simple, osteotomy designs and methods for calvarial rearrangement are highly varied. In this work, we present a summary of the known designs for correction of single-suture craniosynostosis.

METHODS

A review of the literature was performed of the more frequently used osteotomy designs for single-suture craniosynostosis, as well as their reported results and outcomes. Also reviewed are some of the current available approaches for the diagnosis and surgical planning for single-suture craniosynostosis.

RESULTS

There remains a diversity of techniques available for the reconstruction of each fused cranial suture. Certain osteotomy designs are reported in the literature and are used by craniofacial surgeons more frequently. Each has its own benefits and disadvantages, and there is a growing body of outcome data available to guide surgical decision-making. Regarding diagnosis and surgical planning, computed tomography with 3-dimensional reconstruction remains the diagnostic standard of care, and efforts are ongoing to develop and implement new diagnostic modalities like Black Bone MRI to reduce radiation exposure.

CONCLUSIONS

There has been ongoing evolution of the surgical techniques available to reconstruct single-suture craniosynostosis, leading to ever-improving patient outcomes.

Simplified Postoperative Care After Spring-assisted Strip Craniotomy for Sagittal Synostosis: A Prospective Before-and-After Study

ABSTRACT

Since the development of spring-assisted techniques for corrective craniofacial surgery, routine postoperative admission to intensive care units (ICUs) has been questioned. However, close monitoring is necessary if the continuous infusion of morphine is used as recommended for better pain relief. In this study, the authors evaluated a simplified postoperative protocol without continuous morphine infusion and no indwelling urinary catheter following spring-assisted surgery (SAS) for sagittal synostosis. Ten children were cared for according to a standard protocol with postoperative intravenous (i.v.) infusion of morphine and an indwelling urinary catheter, and 11 consecutive children were treated according to a simplified protocol with pain relief based on intermittent injections of morphine and clonidine [according to Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC) scores >4] without the indwelling catheter. A Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of distributions between the two groups. The results revealed no differences between groups regarding the proportion of FLACC scores >4, total amount of administered i.v. morphine and clonidine, total volume of buffered glucose infused, time to first feeding on breast milk or substitute, or the length of stay. Despite the inherent limitations of our small observational study, the authors concluded that at our institution, it was possible to exclude a standard continuous i.v. infusion of morphine and an indwelling urinary catheter from our postoperative care protocol without decreasing the quality of pain relief in children submitted to SAS for sagittal synostosis. This finding supports downgrading the level of care from the ICU to a regular ward after limited immediate postoperative observation.

Anesthetic Considerations for Pediatric Craniofacial Surgery

Anesthetic management of craniosynostosis remains a challenging experience. It requires input and collaboration from multiple specialties to improve patient outcomes. Understanding the surgical corrective techniques and the underlying risks of each is essential to providing the best care to this patient population. The propensity for significant blood loss necessitates fundamental knowledge of pediatric resuscitation and the development of perioperative transfusion protocols that have been shown to reduce transfusion requirements in the peri-operative period.

Secondary vault reconstruction after open or minimal invasive correction for unisutural, multisutural or syndromic craniosynostosis: A cohort study on the impact of diagnosis and type of initial surgical technique

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study is to identify if certain types of craniosynostosis and/or surgical procedures are more likely to require a secondary intracranial procedure because of insufficient correction of skull shape or raised ICP after initial surgery.

METHODS

All consecutive cases with craniosynostosis that were operated at our center between January 2010 and January 2019 were included and the number of secondary operations of the vault were determined, as well as diagnosis, the indication and type and timing of initial surgery. Monobloc and facial bipartition procedures were excluded.

RESULTS

Over a nine year period, 790 vault corrections were performed in 780 patients of which 38 procedures were reoperations in 35 patient because of raised intracranial pressure or an insufficient esthetic result of the skull shape. Particularly patients with a multisutural or syndromic craniosynostosis are represented in this group, as well as three surgical procedures: 1. biparietal outfracturing for sagittal synostosis; 2. endoscopic stripcraniectomy with helmet therapy for unicoronal, multisutural or syndromic craniosynostosis; 3. conventional occipital expansion for syndromic craniosynostosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of a second intracranial correction for insufficient outcome of skull shape or for raised ICP is related to type of synostosis and type of initial surgical technique. Particularly multisutural and syndromic craniosynostosis are more likely to require repeat surgery for these indications. Concerning initial technique, biparietal outfracturing does not correct sagittal synostosis sufficiently, stripcraniectomy with helmet therapy appears to undercorrect unicoronal, multisutural and syndromic synostosis, and conventional occipital expansion for multisutural and syndromic synostosis has poorer outcome than occipital expansion with distraction.

Computational modelling of patient specific spring assisted lambdoid craniosynostosis correction

Lambdoid craniosynostosis (LC) is a rare non-syndromic craniosynostosis characterised by fusion of the lambdoid sutures at the back of the head. Surgical correction including the spring assisted cranioplasty is the only option to correct the asymmetry at the skull in LC. However, the aesthetic outcome from spring assisted cranioplasty may remain suboptimal. The aim of this study is to develop a parametric finite element (FE) model of the LC skulls that could be used in the future to optimise spring surgery. The skull geometries from three different LC patients who underwent spring correction were reconstructed from the pre-operative computed tomography (CT) in Simpleware ScanIP. Initially, the skull growth between the pre-operative CT imaging and surgical intervention was simulated using MSC Marc. The osteotomies and spring implantation were performed to simulate the skull expansion due to the spring forces and skull growth between surgery and post-operative CT imaging in MSC Marc. Surface deviation between the FE models and post-operative skull models reconstructed from CT images changed between ± 5 mm over the skull geometries. Replicating spring assisted cranioplasty in LC patients allow to tune the parameters for surgical planning, which may help to improve outcomes in LC surgeries in the future.

Comparison of 2 Sagittal Craniosynostosis Repair Techniques: Spring-Assisted Surgery Versus Endoscope-Assisted Craniectomy With Helmet Molding Therapy

INTRODUCTION

This study compares anthropometric outcomes of 2 sagittal synostosis repair techniques: spring-assisted surgery and endoscope-assisted craniectomy with molding helmet therapy.

METHODS

Patients undergoing spring-assisted surgery (n = 27) or endoscope-assisted craniectomy with helmet therapy (n = 40) at separate institutions were retrospectively reviewed. Pre- and 1-year postoperative computed tomography (CT) or laser scans were analyzed for traditional cranial index (CI), adjusted cranial index (aCI), and cranial vault volume (CVV). Nine patient-matched scans were analyzed for measurement consistency.

RESULTS

The spring-assisted group was older at both time points (P < .050) and spring-assisted group CVV was larger preoperatively and postoperatively (P < .01). However, the change in CVV did not differ between the groups (P = .210). There was no difference in preoperative CI (helmet vs spring: 70.1 vs 71.2, P = .368) between the groups. Postoperatively, helmet group CI (77.0 vs 74.3, P = .008) was greater. The helmet group also demonstrated a greater increase in CI (6.9 vs 3.1, P < .001). The proportion of patients achieving CI of 75 or greater was not significantly different between the groups (helmet vs spring: CI, 65% vs 52%, P = .370). There was no detectable bias in CI between matched CT and laser scans. Differences were identified between scan types in aCI and CVV measurements; subsequent analyses used corrected CVV and aCI measures for laser scan measures.

CONCLUSIONS

Both techniques had equivalent proportions of patients achieving normal CI, comparable effects on cranial volume, and similar operative characteristics. The study suggests that there may be greater improvement in CI in the helmet group. However, further research should be performed.

The Science Behind the Springs: Using Biomechanics and Finite Element Modeling to Predict Outcomes in Spring-Assisted Sagittal Synostosis Surgery

Spring-assisted surgery for the correction of scaphocephaly has gained popularity over the past 2 decades. Our unit utilizes standardized torsional springs with a central helix for spring-assisted surgery. This design allows a high degree of accuracy and reproducibility of the force vectors and force distance curves. In this manuscript, we expand on the biomechanical testing and properties of these springs. Standardization of design has enabled us to study the springs on bench and in vivo and a comprehensive repository of calvarial remodeling and spring dynamics has been acquired and analyzed.Finite element modeling is a technique utilized to predict the outcomes of spring-assisted surgery. We have found this to be a useful tool, in planning our surgical strategy and improving outcomes. This technique has also contributed significantly to the process of informed consent preoperatively. In this article, we expand on our spring design and dynamics as well as the finite element modeling used to predict and improve outcomes.In our unit, this practice has led to a significant improvement in patient outcomes and parental satisfaction and we hope to make our techniques available to a wider audience.

Endoscopic Spring-Mediated Distraction for Unilambdoid Craniosynostosis

BACKGROUND

Craniosynostosis treatment modalities have changed over time. These have included open calvarial remodeling, suturectomy with helmet molding, hand-powered distraction devices, and spring-mediated distraction. Implantable springs were first described for their use in treatment of craniosynostosis in 1998 (Lauritzen et al, Plast Reconstr Surg 121;2008:545-554). They have been used for the correction of craniosynostosis involving single and multiple sutures and have been placed through both endoscopic and open approaches. Their use for correction of lambdoid synostosis has been previously only described using an open approach (Arnaud et al, Child Nerv Syst 28;2012:1545-1549). The senior author has performed spring-mediated distraction for treating unilambdoid craniosynostosis using an endoscopic approach, which is described below and has not previously been reported by other authors.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of our series of endoscopic unilambdoid synostosis repairs is included in this article. Patients were analyzed based on patient characteristics, operative details, and outcomes. The operation commences by approaching the lambdoid suture endoscopically through a 2- to 3-cm incision lateral to the lambdoid suture. Burr holes are placed on either side of the suture and a suturectomy is performed. Springs are bent preoperatively to a predetermined force. Two springs are placed across the suturectomy defect and the skin is closed. The patient is monitored for improvement in head shape and cranial X-rays are performed to measure the degree of distraction.

RESULTS

Seven patients underwent endoscopic spring-mediated distraction for unilambdoid craniosynostosis. The average age at the time of operation was 9.4 months. The median force of each spring placed was 7.0 N. The median length of hospital stay after spring placement was 2 days. Springs were removed at 5.6 months on average. Five patients had X-rays immediately after placement and prior to removal. Each spring expanded an average distance of 15.3 mm. There were no surgical complications. Three patients had both preoperative and postoperative computed tomography scans available. The angle of the cranial base, calculated by comparing foramen magnum to cribriform plate angles, improved 5.8° (12.3 preoperatively to 6.6 postoperatively).

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic spring-mediated distraction is a safe and effective method of treatment for unilambdoid craniosynostosis. The series represents the largest experience with this technique. The approach can be considered in all patients with unilambdoid synostosis given the efficacious improvement in vault remodeling, low patient morbidity, short operating time, and minimal inpatient stay.

The History of Spring-Assisted Surgery Implementation into the Treatment Algorithm for Craniofacial Deformities

Spring-assisted surgery has been a part of the craniofacial surgeon's armamentarium for more than 2 decades now. The development and implementation of this technique will be reviewed as well as the evolution of spring surgery at Wake Forest University.

Hope Springs Eternal: Insights Into the Durability of Springs to Provide Long-Term Correction of the Scaphocephalic Head Shape

Spring-mediated cranial vault expansion (SMC) has become a primary treatment modality at our institution to correct scaphocephalic head shape in the setting of isolated sagittal craniosynostosis (CS). Spring-mediated cranioplasty is associated with minimal procedural morbidity and reliable clinical efficacy, although long-term outcomes are not well elucidated. Herein we describe our institutional experience and lessons learned with SMC. We hypothesize that SMC performed in young infants offers durable scaphocephalic correction as measured by cephalic index (CI) at the 1, 3, and 5-year postoperative timepoints.Patients with isolated sagittal CS who underwent SMC at our institution during an 8-year period were retrospectively studied. The primary outcome measure was long-term head shape determined by CI at the 1, 3, and 5-year postoperative timepoints. Secondary outcomes included patient and spring factors associated with change in CI, including age and spring force. All statistical tests were 2-tailed with P < 0.05 denoting significance.In total, 88 patients underwent SMC at a median age of 3.3 months with a median preoperative CI 69 (interquartile range: [66, 71]). The postoperative CI increased to 73 [71, 76] at postoperative day 1. At 1 month, the CI increased by 8.6 to 77 (P < 0.0001) and appeared to reach a plateau at 3 months (76, [74, 78]) without further improvement (P < 0.10). At 5 years, CI remained stable without relapse (76, [75, 81], demonstrating an 8.9 increase from preoperative CI. Age at time of spring placement and change in CI were inversely related (P < 0.005). Total spring force directly correlated with increased change in postoperative CI at the 6-month postoperative timepoint (P < 0.02).In summary, SMC offers durable correction of scaphocephaly as measured by CI for patients with isolated sagittal CS at the 5-year postoperative timepoint. The cranial expansion observed 1-month post-spring implantation may serve as a proxy for long-term CI.

Outcomes of Endoscopic Versus Open Spring Assisted Surgery for Sagittal Craniosynostosis

Spring-assisted surgery (SAS) has been shown to be an effective technique for correction of isolated sagittal craniosynostosis in patients less than 6 months of age. At their institution, the authors adopted a minimally invasive technique in 2010, using a shorter incision and an endoscope. A retrospective chart review of 101 patients with isolated, nonsyndromic, sagittal craniosynostosis, who underwent SAS, was performed in order to compare perioperative and clinical outcomes of the open (n = 51) and minimally-invasive (n = 50) approaches. Surgeries were performed by 2 neurosurgeons and 3 plastic surgeons, between 2005 and 2018. The pre and postoperative cephalic indices were not significantly different in both groups. Minimally-invasive spring placement required a longer operative time than the open approach, with the mean minimally-invasive operative time at 65 minutes, compared to 53 minutes (P < 0.0001). Spring removal operative time was not significantly different, with the minimally-invasive operative time at 31 minutes versus 29 minutes (P = 0.48). There were no significant differences in major or minor complications when comparing the open and minimally-invasive approaches. In conclusion, both the open and the minimally-invasive SAS techniques are effective for early correction of isolated sagittal craniosynostosis, although the minimally-invasive approach requires a longer operative time for spring placement.

A population-specific material model for sagittal craniosynostosis to predict surgical shape outcomes

Sagittal craniosynostosis consists of premature fusion (ossification) of the sagittal suture during infancy, resulting in head deformity and brain growth restriction. Spring-assisted cranioplasty (SAC) entails skull incisions to free the fused suture and insertion of two springs (metallic distractors) to promote cranial reshaping. Although safe and effective, SAC outcomes remain uncertain. We aimed hereby to obtain and validate a skull material model for SAC outcome prediction. Computed tomography data relative to 18 patients were processed to simulate surgical cuts and spring location. A rescaling model for age matching was created using retrospective data and validated. Design of experiments was used to assess the effect of different material property parameters on the model output. Subsequent material optimization-using retrospective clinical spring measurements-was performed for nine patients. A population-derived material model was obtained and applied to the whole population. Results showed that bone Young's modulus and relaxation modulus had the largest effect on the model predictions: the use of the population-derived material model had a negligible effect on improving the prediction of on-table opening while significantly improved the prediction of spring kinematics at follow-up. The model was validated using on-table 3D scans for nine patients: the predicted head shape approximated within 2 mm the 3D scan model in 80% of the surface points, in 8 out of 9 patients. The accuracy and reliability of the developed computational model of SAC were increased using population data: this tool is now ready for prospective clinical application.

Telescoping With Multiple Revolution Cranial Osteotomies in Patients With Simple Craniosynostosis

Simple craniosynostosis is a cranial disease characterized by the premature closure of the cranial sutures, it develops during the first years of life and affects 1 in every 2000 to 2500 births worldwide (1). The cranial growth alteration occurs as parallel flattening to the compromised sutured with compensatory bulging in a perpendicular vector. Currently, The Suturectomy is the gold validated surgical treatment, that besides the dynamic Cranioplasties of multiples revolutions allows the design of bone flaps and therefore the correction of the secondary deformities caused by the synostosis. This multicenter descriptive study assessed a 20 series of cases (6 Plagiocephaly, 13 Scaphocephaly, 1 Brachycephaly) obtained in Cali, Colombia, that underwent surgery between January of 2014 and December of 2017, applying a Suturectomy surgery with additional telescoping of multiple revolution cranial osteotomies. The authors observe no clinical complications in the recruited patients regarding postoperative period of the described surgical technique (1, 90, and 180 days), thereby obtaining excellent outcomes on the maintained suture distraction focused on the assessment of the 3D reconstruction computed tomography scans.

Is There an Advantage to Minimizing Surgery in Scaphocephaly? A Study on Extended Strip Craniectomy Versus Extensive Cranial Vault Remodeling

BACKGROUND

Different techniques have been described to correct scaphocephaly. In authors' institution, total cranial vault remodeling (TCVR) was the standard of care. To limit the extent of surgery and the need for transfusion, the technique was minimized to extended strip craniectomy (ESC) without helmet therapy. This retrospective study compares outcome and morbidity between ESC and TCVR.

METHODS

Twenty-seven scaphocephalic patients were included. The ESC was performed in 9 patients between 2012 and 2014, and TCVR in 17 patients between 2008 and 2016. Data on blood loss and transfusion rate, duration of surgery, length of hospital stay (LOS), head circumference, and cephalic index (CI) were collected retrospectively. A cosmetic outcome score (COS) was developed to rate esthetic outcome since CI is a limited and crude measurement of cosmetic outcome.

RESULTS

The LOS was identical in both groups, but duration of surgery was significantly shorter in ESC (P < 0.0001). Transfusion rate appeared higher in the TCVR group, but differences were not significant (P = 0.11). Cosmetic outcome appeared slightly worse in the ESC group, but results were not significantly different (P = 0.66). There was, however, a significant improvement in postoperative CI in the TCVR group (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

The only advantage of ESC was the reduced duration of surgery, but this could not prevent the need for transfusion in this group of patients. The improvement of the CI was significantly less pronounced after ESC, but the COS was not significantly worse in the ESC group. The scar and LOS were similar in both groups. Therefore, our findings indicate that minimizing TCVR to ESC without helmet therapy does not provide significant advantages.

Short- and Long-Term Outcomes by Procedure Type for Nonsagittal Single-Suture Craniosynostosis

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive approaches for the treatment of single-suture craniosynostosis are sometimes touted as equivalent to cranial vault reconstruction. While techniques for sagittal synostosis have been reviewed previously, evidence regarding open and less invasive surgical techniques for metopic, coronal, and lambdoid synostosis has yet to be reviewed.

METHODS

Systematic searches were performed using Embase.com and PubMed. Included studies reported short- or long-term outcomes, compared at least 2 standard techniques, discussed single-suture coronal, metopic, or lambdoid craniosynostosis, and enrolled at least 20 study participants. Two authors screened titles and abstracts, and also performed full text review and data extraction. Given heterogeneous outcomes, qualitative synthesis was performed after data extraction.

RESULTS

The search strategy yielded 2348 articles. Of these, 313 were removed as duplicates, and 1935 were excluded during title/abstract review. After full text review of 100 articles, 19 were selected for data extraction. The heterogeneity of outcomes precluded meta-analysis and required qualitative synthesis. While short-term outcomes indicated decreased morbidity of minimally invasive techniques, only 2 articles presented long-term reoperation rates. One study reported higher reoperation rates in the less invasive technique, and the second reported no reoperations in the median follow-up period of 33 months.

CONCLUSION

Studies comparing long-term outcomes between different surgical techniques for single-suture craniosynostosis remain deficient. The development of standardized outcome measures is essential, and prospective, multicenter studies are necessary to assess the long-term efficacy of these procedures.

Continuous Intracranial Pressure Monitoring in 24 Microcephalic Children with Developmental Delay: A Significant Portion of Microcephalic Children with Developmental Delay Have High Intracranial Pressure

OBJECTIVE

The new direct gradual cranial expansion surgical technique has been used to treat children with postshunt microcephaly and slit ventricle syndrome. To evaluate the feasibility of this new surgical treatment, we studied intracranial pressure (ICP) in microcephalic children with developmental delay.

METHODS

Mean ICP, age, sex, head size, and developmental assessments were compared in 24 microcephalic children with developmental delay who had had continuous ICP monitoring.

RESULTS

Children studied included 9 boys and 15 girls with a mean age of 4.9 ± 2.0 years. Mean ICP was 18.7 ± 8.6 mm Hg. Children with high ICP had significantly lower age and higher B wave ratios than children with low ICP. There were no statistically significant differences in developmental scores and head sizes between children with high ICP and children with low ICP. In multiple linear regression analysis, we observed significantly increased risk of mean ICP elevation by B wave ratio and developmental score and decreased risk of mean ICP elevation by age, but not significantly increased risk of mean ICP elevation by head circumferences (z score).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that a portion of microcephalic children with developmental delay have high ICP that cannot be expected from head sizes, and high ICP has decreasing tendency with age.