Endoscopic Release of Unicoronal Craniosynostosis

3-Dimensional Morphometric Outcomes After Endoscopic Strip Craniectomy for Unicoronal Synostosis

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic strip craniectomy with postoperative helmeting (ESCH) for unicoronal synostosis has shown to be a less morbid procedure when compared with fronto-orbital remodeling (FOR). We aim in this pilot study to report objective methods and quantitative morphologic outcomes of endoscopically treated unicoronal synostosis using 3-dimensional surface scans.

METHODS

Our electronic records were reviewed for ophthalmological, neurodevelopmental outcomes, and helmet-related complications. For morphologic outcomes, the following parameters were used: Cranial Index, Cranial Vault Asymmetry Index, Anterior Symmetry Ratio (ASR), and Root Mean Square between the normal and synostotic sides of the head. Three-dimensional stereophotogrammetry scans were evaluated at 3 time points preoperative, 6 months post-op, and at the end of the treatment, which was compared with age-matched scans of normal controls and FOR patients. Nonparametric tests were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

None of the ESCH cases developed strabismus, major neurodevelopmental delay, or helmet complications. All morphologic parameters improved significantly at 6 months post-op except for the Cranial Vault Asymmetry Index. The ASR was the only parameter to change significantly between 6 months post-op and final scans. At end of helmet treatment, ASR and Root Mean Square differed significantly between the ESCH and both FOR and control groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic strip craniectomy with postoperative helmeting for single unicoronal synostosis had excellent clinical outcomes. Most of the improvement in head morphology occurred in the first 6 months of treatment. Despite the normalization of the overall head shape, there was residual asymmetry in the frontal and temporal regions of the head.

A 24-month cost and outcome analysis comparing traditional fronto-orbital advancment and remodeling with endoscopic strip craniectomy and molding helmet in the management of unicoronal craniosynostosis: A retrospective bi-institutional review

Introduction

Endoscopic strip craniectomy with helmeting (ESCH) has been shown to be a safe and efficacious alternative to fronto-orbital remodeling (FOR) for selected children with craniosynostosis. In addition to clinical factors, there may be economic benefits from the use of ESCH instead of FOR.

Methods

A retrospective review of 23 patients with nonsyndromic unicoronal craniosynostosis (UCS) treated with FOR was carried out at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) for Children in London, UK. Secondary data were used for the ESCH cohort from a paper published by Jimenez and Barone (2013). Data were collected on surgical time, transfusion rates, length of hospital stay, adverse event rates, reintervention rates, and overall costs. Costs were categorized and then assigned to the appropriate data sets.

Results

The mean age of patients undergoing FOR (vs. ESCH) was 17.4 mo (vs. 3.1 mo) with a mean surgical time of 234 min (vs. 55 min), mean transfusion volume of 221.6 mL (vs. 80.0 mL), mean transfusion rate of 14/23 (vs. 2/115), and a total immediate overnight stay of 3.13 days (vs. 97% next-day discharge). The FOR group had a higher adverse event rate (5/23 vs. 4/115, p=<0.005) and a higher number requiring extraocular muscle surgery (4/23 vs. 7/109, p=0.16). There was a substantial difference in overall costs between the two groups. Total variance cost for the FOR group was £7436.5 vs. £4951.35, representing a cost difference of £2485.15 over the 24-month study period.

Conclusion

ESCH, in comparison to FOR, appears as a more economical method in the management of USC patients, as well as having clinical benefits including reduced adverse event rate and improved ophthalmic outcomes.

Minimally invasive approaches to craniosynostosis

Craniosynostosis (CS) is defined as the premature fusion of one or more calvarial sutures. This carries several consequences, including abnormal/asymmetric cranial vault development, increased intracranial pressure, compromised neurocognitive development, and craniofacial deformity. Definitive management is surgical with the goal of protecting cerebral development by re-establishing normal cranial vault expansion and correcting cosmetic deformity. In today's practice, CS surgery has advanced radically from simple craniectomies to major cranial vault reconstructive (CVR) procedures. More recently there has been considerable interest in endoscopic assisted surgery (EAS). Theoretical benefits include decreased operative time, morbidity, blood loss, postoperative pain, cost and faster recovery times. In this focused review, we summarize the current body of literature reporting clinical outcomes in EAS and review the data comparing EAS and CVR.

Surgical Treatment of Unicoronal Synostosis: A Simplified Technique without Orbital Osteotomy

BACKGROUND

Although referrals for nonsyndromic frontal plagiocephaly have been increased during the past several years, successful surgical repair of unicoronal synostosis (UCS) remains a challenge for craniofacial surgeons. Most surgical techniques followed to correct supraorbital rim elevation and temporal constrictions are being noticed less and often require a secondary revision. But this new technique consists of correcting the affected ipsilateral frontal, temporal, and superior orbital rim areas in the first operation.

METHODS

From 1995 to 2016, a total of 154 cases of UCS were operated by first author. A total of 91 patients were operated with standard technique, whereas the new technique was applied on 63. Whitaker scoring system was used for evaluation of patients after surgery.

RESULTS

Data analysis shows a significant difference between 2 operation techniques results (P = 0.007). None of the patients from the new technique group required revision surgery.

CONLUSIONS

We believe that our new technique have less invasive osteotomy on the frontal bone and no manipulation of the orbital bone, so provide sufficient bone graft and is applicable even for younger patients (<6 months).

The Temporal Region in Unilateral Coronal Craniosynostosis: Fronto-orbital Advancement Versus Endoscopy-Assisted Strip Craniectomy

OBJECTIVE

To compare postoperative temporal expansion in patients treated with fronto-orbital advancement or endoscopy-assisted craniectomy with cranial orthotic therapy.

DESIGN

This is a retrospective, multicenter cohort study of patients with unilateral coronal craniosynostosis (UCS).

SETTING

Computed tomographic (CT) scans were drawn from UCS patients treated at Boston Children's Hospital or St Louis Children's Hospital.

PATIENTS

The study included 56 patients with UCS after fronto-orbital advancement (n = 32) or endoscopic repair (n = 24) and 10 age-matched controls.

INTERVENTION

Fronto-orbital advancement entails a craniotomy of the frontal bone and superior orbital rim followed by reshaping and forward advancement. Endoscopic repair is the release of the synostotic suture and guidance of further growth of the cranium using a molding orthotic.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Measures included posterior temporal width, anterior temporal width, orbital width, and anterior cranial fossa area taken preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively. Linear regression was performed to assess 1 year postoperative improvement in symmetry; covariates included preoperative symmetry and type of surgery.

RESULTS

Both treatments showed improvement in orbital width and anterior cranial fossa area symmetry 1 year postoperatively ( P < .001), but no significant improvement in posterior or anterior temporal width symmetry. Linear regression revealed no difference between the 2 procedures in any of the 4 measurements (.096 ≤ P ≤ .898).

CONCLUSIONS

Fronto-orbital advancement and endoscopic repair show equivalent outcomes 1 year postoperatively in all 3 width measurements and anterior cranial fossa area. Neither procedure produced significant improvement in temporal width.

Safety of Open Cranial Vault Surgery for Single-Suture Craniosynostosis: A Case for the Multidisciplinary Team

INTRODUCTION

Single Suture Craniosynostosis (SSC) occurs in 1 in 2,500 live births and is the most common type of craniosynostosis treated in most centers. Surgical treatment has evolved over the past century and open techniques are tailored to the specific suture type. Additionally, the concept of multi-disciplinary team care has proliferated and is becoming the standard of care for SSC. The combination of these evolutions, we believe, has improved the safety of cranial vault surgery for SSC.

METHODS

A retrospective review of patients participating in the Infant Learning Project at Seattle Children's Hospital who underwent cranial vault surgery for treatment of SSC between 2002 and 2006 was performed. Pre-operative assessment, surgical techniques, anesthetic and intraoperative events and both intra-operative and post-operative adverse events were analyzed.

RESULTS

Eighty eight patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria (42 sagittal, 23 metopic, 19 unicoronal, 4 lambdoid). Length of procedure varied (FOA 5.2 hrs, modified pi 2.5 hrs, total vault 4.9 hrs and switch cranioplasty 4.6 hrs), as did transfusion amount (FOA 385 mL, modified pi 216 mL, total vault 600 mL, switch cranioplasty 207 mL) although 99% of patients received a transfusion of some sort. There were no deaths and no major intraoperative complications. Minor events include; ET tube malposition (1), desaturation (1), acidosis (1), hypothermia (9), coagulopathy (2), Hct < 25 (55). Average hospital stay was 3.4 days with no major post-operative complications. One patient was readmitted to the ICU and 1 had a scalp hematoma, but no patients returned to the operating room within 6 months after surgery.

DISCUSSION

The surgical treatment of SSC has evolved from lengthy, risky procedures to become almost routine at most craniofacial centers. Additionally, the care for patients with SSC has evolved from a single provider to a multidisciplinary team concept based around protocols for workup, delivery of anesthesia, streamlined surgical procedures and post-operative care and assessment. This evolution has given open cranial vault surgery for SSC an acceptable safety profile.

Photometric evaluation of cranial and facial symmetry in hemicoronal single suture synostosis treated with surgical fronto-orbital remodeling

OBJECTIVE

Evaluation of frontal vault symmetry and progressive facial symmetrization in a cohort of patients with hemicoronal single suture synostosis treated with a standardized cranioplasty and rigid fixation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Fifty-four patients with hemicoronal synostosis operated between 1999 and 2014 were reviewed retrospectively. Pre, immediately postoperative and yearly photographs from the top of the skull and frontal views of the face were taken with the same head position and projection. A photogrammetric method was applied to quantify the pre and postoperative contour changes. The anterior skull hemispheres were traced, divided into two equal parts and the areas were compared. Angular measurements obtained by the intersection of the interpupillary line and the glabella perpendicular vertical line were calculated. The average photographic follow-up was 6.8 years. Range 1-14 years.

RESULTS

The average advancement on the affected side was 18 mm (range: 16-23 mm). The pre-surgical cranial area on the affected side was increased on average 14.6 + 2.4% (range: 10-18%). The angular measurements documented the frontal symmetry obtained and the progressive improvement of facial symmetry.

CONCLUSION

Cranioplasty with rigid fixation achieved a stable correction of anterior plagiocephaly leading to subsequent symmetrical facial growth. Photogrammetry allowed fora quantitative long-term validation.

Plagiocephaly due to Frontosphenoidal Suture Synostosis: Report of 2 Cases and Literature Review

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The most common cause of anterior plagiocephaly is the fusion of the unilateral coronal suture. In some rare cases, however, the fusion of the frontosphenoidal suture may lead to a resembling pattern with specific clinical and radiological features. The aim of the present study is to further enlighten this entity as it is misdiagnosed most of the time.

METHODS

A report of 2 cases of plagiocephaly due to frontosphenoidal synostosis with a review of the literature.

RESULTS

One female and one male baby were identified. The mean age at presentation was 11.5 months (range: 1-22). Head circumference was normal in each patient. The two fusions were on the left side. Unilateral frontal flattening and recession of the supraorbital rim were the most important physical findings. Computed tomography confirmed the patency of the frontoparietal suture and the closure of the frontosphenoidal suture. Fronto-orbital advancement was performed in both cases with good cosmetic outcome.

CONCLUSION

Frontosphenoidal synostosis should be suspected and carefully searched when dealing with plagiocephaly with patent coronal suture. Good outcome requires a prompt diagnosis and early correction.

A critical evaluation of long-term aesthetic outcomes of fronto-orbital advancement and cranial vault remodeling in nonsyndromic unicoronal craniosynostosis

BACKGROUND

This study reports long-term aesthetic outcomes with fronto-orbital advancement and cranial vault remodeling in treating unicoronal synostosis over a 35-year period.

METHODS

Retrospective review was performed on patients with isolated unicoronal synostosis from 1977 to 2012. Demographic, preoperative phenotypic, and long-term aesthetic outcomes data were analyzed with chi-squared and Fisher's exact test for categorical data and Wilcoxon rank-sum and Kruskal-Wallis rank for continuous data.

RESULTS

A total of 238 patients were treated; 207 met inclusion criteria. None underwent secondary intervention for intracranial pressure. At definitive intervention, there 96 (55 percent) Whitaker class I patients, 11 (6 percent) class II, 62 (35 percent) class III, and six (3 percent) class IV. Nasal root deviation and occipital bossing each conferred an increased risk of Whitaker class III/IV [OR, 4.4 (1.4 to 13.9), p = 0.011; OR, 2.6 (1.0 to 6.8), p = 0.049]. Patients who underwent bilateral cranial vault remodeling with extended unilateral bandeau were less likely Whitaker class III/IV at latest follow-up compared with those undergoing strictly unilateral procedures [OR, 0.2 (0.1 to 0.7), p = 0.011]. Overcorrection resulted in decreased risk of temporal hollowing [OR, 0.3 (0.1 to 1.0), p = 0.05]. Patients with 5 years or more of follow-up were more likely to develop supraorbital retrusion [OR, 7.2 (2.2 to 23.4), p = 0.001] and temporal hollowing [OR, 3.7 (1.5 to 9.6), p = 0.006] and have Whitaker class III/IV outcomes [OR, 4.9 (1.8 to 12.8), p = 0.001].

CONCLUSION

Traditional fronto-orbital advancement and cranial vault remodeling appears to mitigate risk of intracranial pressure but may lead to aesthetic shortcomings as patients mature, namely fronto-orbital retrusion and temporal hollowing.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, IV.

Endoscopic-assisted craniosynostosis surgery

Over the last decade, endoscopy has been increasingly utilized in craniosynostosis surgery. In 2006, the author added endoscopy followed by helmet therapy to the treatment of young craniosynostosis patients. Since then, 73 children have been successfully treated utilizing endoscopic techniques with a transfusion rate of 23%. Most children are discharged on the first postoperative day; helmet therapy begins one week later. A helmet is worn for 4 to 6 months with one helmet replacement. Complications were limited to three reoperations to address suboptimal results, and one reoperation for a persisting skull defect. One sagittal sinus injury was addressed successfully, with resolution of a small intrasinus thrombus and no adverse brain sequelae. Although not applicable to every craniosynostosis patient, properly applied endoscopic-assisted craniosynostosis surgery is safe and effective, adding another option to the treatment armamentarium for craniosynostosis.

Femtosecond plasma mediated laser ablation has advantages over mechanical osteotomy of cranial bone

BACKGROUND

Although mechanical osteotomies are frequently made on the craniofacial skeleton, collateral thermal, and mechanical trauma to adjacent bone tissue causes cell death and may delay healing. The present study evaluated the use of plasma-mediated laser ablation using a femtosecond laser to circumvent thermal damage and improve bone regeneration.

METHODS

Critical-size circular calvarial defects were created with a trephine drill bit or with a Ti:Sapphire femtosecond pulsed laser. Healing was followed using micro-CT scans for 8 weeks. Calvaria were also harvested at various time points for histological analysis. Finally, scanning electron microscopy was used to analyze the microstructure of bone tissue treated with the Ti:Sapphire laser, and compared to that treated with the trephine bur.

RESULTS

Laser-created defects healed significantly faster than those created mechanically at 2, 4, and 6 weeks post-surgery. However, at 8 weeks post-surgery, there was no significant difference. In the drill osteotomy treatment group, empty osteocyte lacunae were seen to extend 699 ± 27 µm away from the edge of the defect. In marked contrast, empty osteocyte lacunae were seen to extend only 182 ± 22 µm away from the edge of the laser-created craters. Significantly less ossification and formation of irregular woven bone was noted on histological analysis for drill defects.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrate accelerated bone healing after femtosecond laser ablation in a calvarial defect model compared to traditional mechanical drilling techniques. Improved rates of early regeneration make plasma-mediated ablation of the craniofacial skeleton advantageous for applications to osteotomy.

Frontal-orbital advancement for the management of anterior plagiocephaly

PURPOSES

The main purposes of this manuscript are to provide an overview of various modalities of surgical correction of anterior plagiocephaly and to emphasize their differences with the classic open frontal-orbital advancement.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Advancement of technology provides development of many other ways to achieve the same results. The authors describe the classic open frontal-orbital advancement and compare with other proposed techniques for correction of frontal plagiocephaly. The main limitation of the use of new forms of treatment of the anterior plagiocephaly is the age of the patient. There is still no consensus on criteria for quantitative evaluation of surgical results, and new forms of treatment do not present results with long follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Frontal-orbital advancement is the preferred procedure to correct unicoronal synostosis due to its universal indication regardless of the age and degree of deformation of the anterior plagiocephaly.

Comparison of spring-mediated cranioplasty to minimally invasive strip craniectomy and barrel staving for early treatment of sagittal craniosynostosis

The treatment of sagittal craniosynostosis has evolved from early strip craniectomy to total cranial vault remodeling and now back to attempts at minimally invasive correction. To optimize outcomes while minimizing morbidity, we currently use 2 methods of reconstruction in patients younger than 9 months: spring-mediated cranioplasty (SMC) and minimally invasive strip craniectomy with parietal barrel staving (SCPB). The purpose of this study was to compare the safety and efficacy of the 2 methods. Hospital records of our first 7 SMCs and our last 7 SCPBs were analyzed for demographics, the type of operation performed, estimated blood loss, transfusion requirements, operative time, length of stay in the intensive care unit, length of hospital stay, preoperative cephalic index, postoperative cephalic index, and complications. The techniques were then compared using analysis of variance.All 14 patients successfully underwent cranial vault remodeling with significant improvement in cephalic index. Demographics, length of stay in the intensive care unit (P = 0.15), preoperative cephalic index (P = 0.86), and postoperative cephalic index (P = 0.64) were similar between SMC and SCPB. Spring-mediated cranioplasty had statistically significantly shorter operative time (P = 0.002), less estimated blood loss (P < 0.001), and shorter length of hospital stay (P = 0.009) as compared with SCPB. Complications included 1 spring dislodgment in an SMC that did not require additional management and 1 undercorrection in the SCPB group. Both SMC and SCPB are safe, effective means of treating sagittal craniosynostosis. Spring-mediated cranioplasty has become our predominant means of treatment of scaphocephaly in patients younger than 9 months because of its improved morbidity profile.

Craniosynostosis involving the squamous temporal sutures: a rare and possibly underreported etiology for cranial vault asymmetry

Craniosynostosis is a condition in which 1 or more cranial sutures fuse prematurely, often secondary to a fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) mutation, typically involving FGFR2 or FGFR3. This mutation may occur sporadically or in the setting of a genetic syndrome and typically presents within the first few days of life or in early infancy. Most commonly, the sagittal and coronal sutures are involved, although involvement of the lambdoidal and/or metopic sutures is not uncommon. Surgical correction is undertaken both for cosmetic purposes and to relieve raised intracranial pressure, both of which can be severe, depending on the sutures involved. We report on 2 children who presented in their first year of life with synostosis involving: in one instance, a single squamous temporal suture, and in the other, both squamous temporal sutures. The initial presentation and clinical courses of these 2 patients are highly distinct from one another, although both ultimately did quite well after extensive cranial remodeling. To the best of our knowledge, only a handful of patients with squamous synostosis have been reported in the medical literature.