Skeletal expansion via craniofacial distraction osteogenesis technique in syndromic craniosynostosis: impact on ophthalmic parameters

BACKGROUND

This study aims to compare the changes in ophthalmic parameters among syndromic craniosynostosis patients who underwent craniofacial skeletal expansion procedures via distraction osteogenesis (DO).

METHOD

A retrospective study was conducted involving syndromic craniosynostosis patients who underwent surgical expansion via the DO technique from the year 2012 to March 2022. Changes in six parameters which consist of visual acuity, refractive error, optic disc health, intraocular pressure, degree of proptosis and orbital volume were measured objectively pre and post-surgery. For categorical parameters, the Chi-square cross-tab test was done. Paired sample T-test was used for normally distributed variables. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used for non-normally distributed data.

RESULTS

Visual impairment was present in 21.4% of eyes before surgery and increased to 28.5% post-surgery. Three patients had changes of refractive error post-surgery with one developed hypermetropia, another developed anisometropia and the last had improvement to no refractive error. Two patients had optic disc swelling which was resolved post-surgery. Intraocular pressure changes were inconsistent post-surgery. All patients achieved a significant reduction in the degree of proptosis post-surgery. Orbital volume calculation using computed tomography (CT) scans shows a significant increase in volume post-surgery for all patients.

CONCLUSION

Our study shows a significant increase in orbital volume post-surgery with a reduction in the degree of proptosis. Optic disc and nerve health improved after the surgery. Changes in terms of visual acuity, refractive error and IOP were inconsistent after the surgical intervention.

Automated three-dimensional analysis of facial asymmetry in patients with syndromic coronal synostosis: A retrospective study

Craniosynostosis, characterized by premature fusion of one or more cranial sutures, results in a distorted skull shape. Only three studies have assessed facial asymmetry manually in unicoronal synostosis patients. It is therefore important to understand how uni- and bicoronal synostosis affect facial asymmetry with a minimum risk of human bias. An automated algorithm was developed to quantify facial asymmetry from three-dimensional images, generating a mean facial asymmetry (MFA) value in millimeters to reflect the degree of asymmetry. The framework was applied to analyze postoperative 3D images of syndromic patients (N = 35) diagnosed with Muenke syndrome, Saethre-Chotzen syndrome, and TCF12-related craniosynostosis with respect to MFA values from a healthy control group (N = 89). Patients demonstrated substantially higher MFA values than controls: Muenke syndrome (unicoronal 1.74 ± 0.40 mm, bicoronal 0.77 ± 0.21 mm), Saethre-Chotzen syndrome (unicoronal 1.15 ± 0.20 mm, bicoronal 0.69 ± 0.16 mm), and TCF12-related craniosynostosis (unicoronal 1.40 ± 0.51 mm, bicoronal 0.66 ± 0.05 mm), compared with controls (0.49 ± 0.12 mm). Longitudinal analysis identified an increasing MFA trend in unicoronal synostosis patients. Our study revealed higher MFA in syndromic patients with uni- and bicoronal synostosis compared with controls, with the most pronounced MFA in Muenke syndrome patients with unilateral synostosis. Bicoronal synostosis patients demonstrated higher facial asymmetry than expected given the condition's symmetrical presentation.

Radiomorphologic profiles of nonsyndromic sagittal craniosynostosis

PURPOSE

Numerous classification systems of nonsyndromic sagittal craniosynostosis (NSC) are applied but none has gained a wide acceptance, since each classification is focused on distinct aspects of cranial dysmorphology. The goal of this study was to depict the most common combinations of radiomorphologic characteristics of NSC and to separate groups where the patients were morphologically similar to one another and at the same time significantly different from others.

METHODS

The study was conducted on anonymized thin-cut CT scans of 131 children with NSC aged 1-12 months (mean age 5.42 months). The type of cranial dysmorphology was assessed using four criteria: skull shape, pattern of sagittal suture fusion, morphologic features and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) spaces alterations. After assigning the categories, an unsupervised k-modes clustering algorithm was applied to identify distinct patients clusters representing radiomorphologic profiles determined by investigated characteristics.

RESULTS

Cluster analysis revealed three distinct radiomorphologic profiles including the most common combinations of features. The profiles were not influenced by sex nor age but were significantly determined by skull shape (V = 0.58, P < 0.0001), morphologic features (V = 0.50, P < 0.0001) and pattern of sagittal suture fusion (V = 0.47, P < 0.0001). CSF alterations did not significantly correlate with the profiles (P = 0.3585).

CONCLUSION

NSC is a mosaic of radiologic and morphologic features. The internal diversity of NSC results in dissimilar groups of patients defined by unique combinations of radiomorphologic characteristics, from which the skull shape is the most differentiating factor. Radiomorphologic profiles support the idea of clinical trials targeted at more selective outcomes assessment.

Dental management of a pediatric patient with progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis having dental anomalies: a case report and brief review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis is a heterogeneous group of disorders, leading to intrahepatic cholestasis, with the possibility of chronic liver failure and biliary cirrhosis. Oligodontia is either the manifestation of a specific syndrome or is non-syndromic. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of type 3 progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis and concurrent oligodontia, craniosynostosis, dens in dente, taurodontism, and delayed permanent dentition in the medical and dental literature.

CASE PRESENTATION

We present the dental and medical histories and comprehensive dental management of a girl with type 3 progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis and several dental anomalies, who was referred to a dental clinic due to severe dental caries and pain.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that PFIC with manifestations as oligodontia, craniosynostosis, dens in dente, taurodontism, and delayed permanent dentition, might indicate an unknown syndrome; otherwise, the craniofacial anomalies are the manifestations of an independent disease coinciding with PFIC. Moreover, our case is a good example of the importance of timely medical and dental care in confining further health-related complications. The patient was able to ingest without any pain or discomfort after receiving proper dental management.

One-piece fronto-orbital distraction osteogenesis without bandeau in patients with coronal craniosynostosis: A five-year follow-up retrospective study of 45 consecutive patients

This study aimed to review the surgical outcomes, complications, and long-term relapses in patients with unilateral or bilateral coronal craniosynostosis, who underwent one-piece fronto-orbital distraction osteogenesis (FODO) without bandeau. The cephalic index, frontal angle, and supraorbital symmetry ratio were measured on the initial and follow-up computed tomography images. Esthetic outcomes were evaluated using the Whitaker classification. 45 patients were included in this study. The average follow-up interval was 5.4 ± 1.1 years (range 2.5-8.5 years). In patients with bilateral coronal craniosynostosis, the frontal angle decreased with a relapse ratio of -2.8 ± 4.3% during long-term follow-up compared with that during short-term follow-up (p = 0.028). In patients with unilateral coronal craniosynostosis, the supraorbital symmetry ratio decreased slightly, with a relapse ratio of -3.8 ± 2.6% during long-term follow-up (p = 0.017). Complications included dural tears during osteotomy (n = 2), early distractor removal (n = 2), and wound problems (n = 3). Within the limitations of the study it seems that one-piece fronto-orbital distraction osteogenesis (FODO) generates successful and sustainable results even in the long term. Therefore, this treatment option should be considered for patients with unilateral and bilateral coronal craniosynostoses whenever appropriate.

Accelerated cranial distraction protocol for one-piece fronto-orbital distraction osteogenesis without bandeau in patients with craniosynostosis

This study aimed to compare the bony relapse ratios of standard and accelerated distraction protocols (ADP) in one-piece fronto-orbital distraction osteogenesis (DO). Patients with unilateral or bilateral coronal synostoses who underwent one-piece fronto-orbital DO were included. The accelerated cranial distraction protocol included a 3-day latency period and a distraction rate of 1-2 mm/day, followed by a 4-week consolidation period. Intracranial volume was measured using computed tomography (CT) before the surgery, at the end of the consolidation period, and 1 year after the removal of distractors. The intracranial volume changes and relapse ratios were calculated. This study included 32 patients; of these, 16 were included in each of the ADP and standard protocol (SP) groups. The mean ages were 1.4 years and 1.6 years in the ADP and SP groups, respectively (p = 0.895). In the ADP and SP groups, the expanded volumes were 270.9 ± 90.3 cm³ and 284.6 ± 149.7 cm³ (p = 0.91) and the growth-corrected expanded volumes were 162.1 ± 67.5 cm³ and 177.1 ± 105.2 cm³, respectively (p = 0.867). The relapse and growth-corrected relapse ratios showed no significant differences between the two groups, suggesting similar stability between the two protocols. The relapse ratios were 7.1 ± 4.8% and 7.3 ± 5.0% (p = 0.91) and the growth-corrected relapse ratios were -3.0 ± 3.3% and -2.4 ± 2.7%, respectively (p = 0.498). Within the limitations of the study, it seems that the ADP can shorten the distraction period without compromising stability. This may contribute to resolving the disadvantages and highlighting the advantages of DO.

Three-dimensional printing models improves long-term retention in medical education of pathoanatomy: A randomized controlled study

INTRODUCTION

Craniosynostosis is a rare and complex pathology, and visuospatial skills are necessary for a good understanding of the condition. While the use of three-dimensional (3D) models has improved the understanding of complex craniofacial anatomy, no study has evaluated the impact of this teaching support on long-term retention.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Our randomized controlled trial was designed to compare the long-term retention of information with 3D-printed models of four types of craniosynostosis versus classic 3D reconstructions displayed in two-dimensional (2D) among undergraduate students. All students benefited from the same standardized course followed by the manipulation of the learning tool associated with the group for 15 minutes. Long-term retention was assessed by the capability to properly recognize different types of craniosynostosis 3 weeks after the course.

RESULTS

Eighty-five students were enrolled. Previous educational achievements and baseline visuospatial skills were similar between the groups. The bivariate analysis showed the mean score in the 3D and 2D groups were 11.32 (2.89) and 8.08 (2.81), respectively (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

3D-printed models of structures with spatial complexity such as various craniosynostosis patterns improve significantly medical students' long-term retention, indicating their educational efficacy.

The foramen magnum in scaphocephaly

PURPOSE

The foramen magnum (FM) presents various alterations in craniosynostoses, such as brachycephaly or Crouzon syndrome. However, to date, no study has been devoted to its morphology and morphometry in scaphocephaly, which is the most common of cranial deformities resulting from premature fusion of cranial sutures.

METHODS

We assessed the morphology and morphometry of FM using preoperative thin-cut CT scans of 107 children with non-syndromic sagittal craniosynostosis aged 1-12 months (mean age 5.38 months). A series of sagittal and transverse dimensions were taken and the FM area was calculated in each case. Obtained data were compared to the age-matched control group of 101 normocephalic children.

RESULTS

Dolichotrematous type of FM was dominant in the scaphocephaly group and observed in 63/107 cases (58.9%). The mean FM area in the scaphocephaly group was 519.64 mm² and was significantly smaller compared to the control group (p = 0.0011). The transverse diameter and anterior sagittal diameter were also significantly smaller (p = 0.0112 and p = 0.0003, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The area of FM in scaphocephaly is smaller compared to normal individuals. This is associated with a significant reduction of the width of FM in children with sagittal craniosynostosis. FM in scaphocephaly is larger than in other reported series of children with brachycephaly or Crouzon syndrome.

Feeding considerations for infants with craniofacial malformations

Approximately 5% of children experience difficulty with the complex coordination of sucking, swallowing and breathing required for feeding. Infants with craniofacial malformations may have anatomic and neurologic contributions to feeding problems. Examples include cleft lip and/or palate, micrognathia, maxillary hypoplasia, and pharyngeal dysfunction. Interventions may facilitate weight gain and avoid failure-to-thrive in these infants. An interdisciplinary approach to address feeding challenges in children with craniofacial differences is necessary. Positional changes, latching maneuvers, specialized feeder nipples, squeezable bottles, and cup feeding can be implemented early. Surgical intervention, including gastrostomy tube placement, tongue lip adhesion, mandibular distraction osteogenesis and tracheostomy, may be required in more severe cases.

Conventional posterior cranial vault expansion: indications and results-review of the literature

In the late 1980s, craniofacial surgery units reported suboptimal cosmetic results, cranial volume restriction, and intracranial hypertension after anterior cranial vault remodeling in bilateral coronal synostosis associated with severe brachyturricephaly. A possible explanation was a severe associated growth restriction of the posterior calvaria with radiological synostosis at the lambda sutures. "Conventional" or "fixed" posterior cranial vault expansion techniques were developed to address these limitations, sometimes as the first surgical step in a two-staged protocol of total calvarial reconstruction, combined with suboccipital decompression in cases of symptomatic cerebellar tonsillar herniation or, more easily, to resolve the characteristic occipital flattening of lambdoid synostosis. Various surgical approaches have been described; however, the indications for and timing of surgical treatment and postoperative evaluation of results still remain controversial. Although more invasive, conventional posterior cranial vault expansion has proven to be safe and offers a remodeled and protective bony vault immediately after surgery, but the underlying cranial base malformation remained untreated, with implications in the postoperative growth of the facial skeleton. Overcorrection, rigid stabilization, and grafting are also concerns to be addressed.

Cephalic Index of Korean Children With Normal Brain Development During the First 7 Years of Life Based on Computed Tomography

Objective

To identify the normal range, distribution, and age-dependent differences in the cephalic index (CI) of Korean children with normal brain development and develop a classification of the current CI for Korean children up to 7 years of age.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 1,389 children who visited our hospital in the emergency room between October 2015 and September 2020 because of suspected head injuries. Finally, 1,248 children (741 male and 507 female) were enrolled after excluding abnormal medical or familial history and divided into 10 groups by age. The CI was measured using brain computed tomography and calculated according to the following equation: cephalic width/cephalic length×100.

Results

The averages of CI by age groups were as follows: 89.29 (0–3 months group, n=44); 91.41 (4–6 months group, n=63); 89.68 (7–9 months group, n=62); 87.52 (10–12 months group, n=41); 87.64 (≥2 years group, n=243); 86.63 (≥3 years group, n=178); 85.62 (≥4 years group, n=232); 85.77 (≥5 years group, n=201); 85.15 (≥6 years group, n=75); and 85.34 (≥7 years group, n=109). The CI of Korean children in normal brain development was confirmed to be large, showing a notable difference compared to that of Caucasians.

Conclusion

The current CI of Korean children will provide a valuable reference for diagnosing and treating cranial deformities, especially dolichocephaly and brachycephaly as well as to monitor the morphology of the cranium in clinics.

Advanced parental age: Is it contributing to an increased incidence of non-syndromic craniosynostosis? A review of case-control studies

Background

Craniosynostosis (CS) is a congenital birth defect characterized by the premature fusion of one or several calvarial suture(s). CS could lead to serious complications, such as intracranial hypertension and neurodevelopmental impairment. There is an increasing trend in the prevalence of CS - 75% of which are of non-syndromic type (NSCS). In parallel, there is a steady rise in the average maternal age. The goal of this paper was to review the literature to clearly identify any associations between parental age and NSCS. This review was performed and reported in compliance with PRISMA guidelines.

Methods

The PUBMED and EMBASE databases were systematically searched, and all studies that observed the relationship between maternal and/or paternal age on NSCS were included. The articles were then assessed for methodological quality using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). The effect of advanced maternal and/or paternal age on the incidence of NSCS was identified by the prevalence ratios reported at a confidence interval of 95%.

Results

Six retrospective case-control studies, reporting on a total of 3267 cases of NSCS were included in this review. While there were some inconsistencies in the findings of the different studies, the majority reported a positive correlation between advanced maternal and/or paternal age and an increased incidence of NSCS.

Conclusion

This review identified an association between advanced parental age and an increased incidence of NSCS.

Applicative Factors of Helmet Molding Therapy in Late-diagnosed Positional Plagiocephaly

BACKGROUND

Although the benefits of helmet therapy for positional plagiocephaly are strongly correlated with age, the effective period remains controversial. However, most physicians agree that effective results can be obtained in patients within the age of 6 months. Owing to the characteristics of positional plagiocephaly in Koreans, many Korean patients have delayed diagnosis, and because this results in delayed onset of the helmet therapy, the outcomes remain largely underevaluated. In the management of late-diagnosed positional plagiocephaly, we aimed to determine the factors affecting the effective application of helmet therapy.

METHODS

We recruited 39 consecutive patients with positional plagiocephaly who received helmet therapy and completed the treatment between December 2008 and June 2016. The ages at initiation and completion of treatment, duration of daily use, initial and final absolute diagonal differences, cephalic index, and cranial vault asymmetry index (CVAI) were analysed using data retrospectively collected from the patients' medical records.

RESULTS

We identified 12 patients with late-diagnosed positional plagiocephaly, of whom 83.33% were effectively treated. The effective change in CVAI (%) was affected by age at treatment initiation (P = 0.001), initial absolute diagonal distance differences (P < 0.001), and initial CVAI (P < 0.001). Up to 9 months, a gradual change of at least 1% CVAI was attained. Treatment initiation at ages < 5.5 months was beneficial. Even at a later age, patients with an initial absolute diagonal distance difference of > 13.50 mm and initial CVAI of > 11.03% could receive effective helmet therapy.

CONCLUSION

The efficacy of helmet therapy in late-diagnosed patients can be predicted on the basis of not only age at treatment initiation, but also initial absolute diagonal distance differences and initial CVAI. We anticipate that even patients with late-diagnosed positional plagiocephaly can expect better helmet therapy outcomes.

Why do metopic sutural synostoses angulate? The concept of nasion sutural complex and its implication on the management of hypotelorism-early results and proof of concept

OBJECT

Angulation at the suture is a hallmark of metopic synostoses amongst all craniosynostoses. No other sutural synostoses demonstrate angulation at synostoses consistently. We look into the possible aetiology and the implication of the understanding in the treatment goals of trigonocephaly. We hypothesise that the nasal bone and nasofrontal suture viz. "nasion sutural complex" are involved in trigonocephaly along with the well-accepted role of metopic suture. We propose that it is the angulation at this junction which leads to trigonocephaly and its secondary features.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included seven infants, who underwent correction for trigonocephaly at our paediatric craniofacial division at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Kochi, India, between the period July 2015 to March 2018. The cohort included were infants with trigonocephaly who had CT head for diagnosis. We analysed the multidimensional CT (MDCT) of these infants and compared to an equal number of age-matched controls. The controls were infants with other forms of sutural synostosis with metopic uninvolved and normal infants where MDCT was done for other reasons. Sutural characteristic at the nasion and metopic suture recorded in comparison with an equal number of age-matched controls. We performed spring cranioplasty for three infants after metopic suturectomy, extending the release beyond the nasion sutural complex, placing springs to distract the suture. The infants who underwent spring cranioplasty were followed up for the aesthetic outcome. Remaining infants of the study underwent standard frontorbital correction for metopic craniosynostoses.

RESULTS

We could demonstrate a fusion of nasofrontal and nasal suture in all cases (n = 7) of trigonocephaly included in the study on MDCT and intraoperatively. We performed spring cranioplasty for three infants (n = 3/7), where we released the internasal suture. At 3 months follow-up, along with correction of the angulation, the hypotelorism improved significantly. Other infants in the study (4/7) underwent classical frontorbital advancement.

CONCLUSIONS

Fusion of nasion sutural complex along with metopic sutures may explain the angulation in trigonocephaly. We propose that all minimally invasive techniques for correction of trigonocephaly and associated hypotelorism should consider this fact for an improved outcome.

Experience with resorbable sonic pins for the attachment of distraction devices in posterior cranial vault distraction operations

BACKGROUND

Distraction techniques are effective methods for the treatment of craniosynostoses when a significant gain of an intracranial volume is required. However, this technique raises some challenges at different stages of the treatment. While installing the distractors in patients with thin calvarial bone, there is a risk of dural damage from the titanium screws. The need for wide exposure of the devices and the screws during removal causes soft tissue damage and bleeding.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate sonic pin use in the distraction procedures.

METHODS

Resorbable sonic pins were used in 11 consecutive posterior cranial vault distraction procedures to attach distraction devices to the calvarial bone.

RESULTS

This method allowed for a less traumatic and faster removal of the devices without the risk of leaving foreign bodies in the wound. In three out of 11 cases on follow-up, displacement of proximal distractor footplate and partial relapse of distraction were detected. Though there was a smaller volume increase in these patients, all of them benefited clinically from the PCVD and did not require reoperations.

CONCLUSIONS

This method allows a strong and stable attachment of the distractor devices to the cranial vault bones with a reduced risk of dural tears due to the screws. It also allows for easier and less traumatic device removal.

Increases in Cranial Volume with Posterior Cranial Vault Distraction in 31 Consecutive Cases

BACKGROUND

Posterior cranial vault distraction (PCVD) is a technique widely used in surgical treatment of craniosynostosis when cranial expansion is required. It has proven to be safe and to allow a significant increase of intracranial volume.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate increases in intracranial volume as a result of PCVD performed in Oulu Craniofacial center using 2 different methods based on 3-dimensional (3-D) photogrammetric imaging or plain skull radiographs.

METHODS

All children less than 16 yr of age who were treated by PCVD (n = 31) from 2009 to 2015 at the Oulu Craniofacial Center were included. All patients were followed at outpatient clinics with plain radiographs performed for follow-up. In 5 patients, additional 3-D photogrammetric imaging was done pre- and postoperatively.

RESULTS

The mean intracranial volume increase was 25.0%, ranging from 16.9% to 39.4%. In 5 patients, the increase in volume was calculated from the photogrammetric 3-D images comprising a mean of 17.4%. Volume calculations from cephalograms in the same patients gave a mean of 20.8%. Whether the distraction was a primary operation or patient had undergone previous cranioplasty did not influence the achieved volumetric results. There were no statistically significant differences in the distraction results between different diagnostic groups.

CONCLUSION

PCVD is an effective surgical method to increase intracranial volume in a variety of clinical entities. Volumetric results of this procedure could be easily evaluated using 3-D photogrammetric imaging or plane radiographs that expose the patients to only low ionizing radiation doses.

Volumetric lipoinjection of the fronto-orbital and temporal complex with adipose stem cells for the aesthetic restoration of sequelae of craniosynostosis

Background

Non-syndromic craniosynostosis causes craniofacial asymmetry and may persist after cranioplasty. These postoperative asymmetries are primarily depressions. In some cases, patients may be subjected to pranks and harassment by their peers, affecting their psychosocial development. We propose lipoinjection enriched with adipose stem cells (ASCs) to treat the sequelae of craniosynostosis in the fronto-orbital and temporal complex in cranioplasty patients, with the goal of improving the appearance of the upper third of the face.

Methods

Twelve children (four boys and eight girls) between 4 and 8 years of age (mean age, 6 years) in the postoperative period after treatment for plagiocephaly, brachycephaly, and trigonocephaly were included, with a follow-up period of 1 to 18 months. Fat tissue was obtained from the lower abdomen, and ASCs were isolated using the Yoshimura technique. Lipoinjection was performed using several mini-approaches to ensure adequate distribution.

Results

Two different scales were used to evaluate the aesthetic outcomes. At 6 months, three plastic surgeons independent of the study classified the results using a Likert scale. The patients’ parents categorized the results using a visual analog scale at 6, 9, and 18 months. R esults were favorable on both scales, as the patients’ facial appearance improved and they reported increased happiness and self-esteem due to their remodeled facial appearance.

Conclusions

We suggest that lipoinjection enriched with ASCs is a good alternative for correcting asymmetry of the fronto-orbital and temporal contour in patients with sequelae of craniosynostosis. This treatment will help boost patients’ self-esteem starting at an early age.

Treatment of Nonsyndromic Craniosynostosis Using Multi-Split Osteotomy and Rigid Fixation with Absorbable Plates

Background

Nonsyndromic craniosynostosis is a relatively common craniofacial anomaly and various techniques were introduced to achieve its operative goals. Authors found that by using smaller bone fragments than that used in conventional cranioplasty, sufficiently rigid bone union and effective regeneration capacity could be achieved with better postoperative outcome, only if their stable fixation was ensured.

Methods

Through bicoronal incisional approach, involved synostotic cranial bone together with its surrounding areas were removed. The resected bone flap was split into as many pieces as possible. The extent of this ‘multi-split osteotomy’ depends on the degree of dysmorphology, expectative volume increment after surgery and probable dead space caused by bony gap between bone segments. Rigid interosseous fixation was performed with variable types of absorbable plate and screw. In all cases, the pre-operational three-dimensional computed tomography (3D CT) was checked and brain CT was taken immediately after the surgery. Also about 12 months after the operation, 3D CT was checked again to see postoperative morphology improvement, bone union, regeneration and intracranial volume change.

Results

The bony gaps seen in the immediate postoperative brain CT were all improved as seen in the 3D CT after 12 months from the surgery. No small bone fragment resorption was observed. Brain volume increase was found to be made gradually, leaving no case of remaining epidural dead space.

Conclusion

We conclude that it is meaningful in presenting a new possibility to be applied to not only nonsyndromic craniosynostosis but also other reconstructive cranial vault surgeries.

Relationship between starting age of cranial-remolding-orthosis therapy and effectiveness of treatment in children with deformational plagiocephaly

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to investigate the optimal age for starting cranial-remolding-orthosis therapy in children with deformational plagiocephaly.

METHODS

Medical records of 310 patients with deformational plagiocephaly were retrospectively reviewed and the initial and final cranial vault asymmetry index (CVAI), age when starting therapy, duration of therapy, mean change of CVAI, improvement rate, and treatment success were analyzed. We compared outcomes according to the groups divided by ages starting therapy.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in improvement rate and duration of cranial-remolding-orthosis therapy among patients starting therapy at the age of 3, 4, and 5 months. However, when starting therapy after the age of 6 months, the rates of CVAI improvement were significantly lower and the duration of therapy was significantly increased.

CONCLUSION

Considering the spontaneous resolution effect according to the head growth nature, the age 5 month is the optimal period to start cranial-remolding-orthosis therapy for deformational plagiocephaly.

[Guide to clinical practice for the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of non-syndromic craniosynostosis on 3 levels of care]

INTRODUCTION

Craniosynostosis is a congenital anomaly resulting from the premature fusion of the cranial sutures changing growth patterns of the skull.

METHODOLOGY

Focus, scope, target population and clinical questions to be solved were defined. A systematic search for evidence in different databases (Medline, Embase, KoreaMed, Cochrane Library and the website of the World Health Organization) in stages was performed: clinical practice guidelines; systematic reviews, and clinical trials and observational studies; using MeSH, Decs and corresponding free terms, unrestricted language or temporality. Risk of bias was evaluated using appropriate tools (AMSTAR, Risk of Bias or STROBE). The quality of evidence was graduated using the GRADE system. Modified Delphi Panel technique was used to assign the recommendation's strength and direction, as well as the degree of agreement with it, taking into account the quality of evidence, balance between risks and benefits of interventions, values and preferences of patients and availability of resources.

RESULTS

There were 3,712 documents obtained by search algorithms; selecting 29 documents for inclusion in the qualitative synthesis. Due to heterogeneity between studies, it was not possible to perform meta-analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

We issued 7 recommendations and 8 good practice points, which will serve as support for decision-making in the comprehensive care of patients with craniosynostosis.

Craniofacial syndromes and sleep-related breathing disorders

Children with craniofacial syndromes are at risk of sleep disordered breathing, the most common being obstructive sleep apnea. Midface hypoplasia in children with craniosynostosis and glossoptosis in children with Pierre Robin syndrome are well recognized risk factors, but the etiology is often multifactorial and many children have multilevel airway obstruction. We examine the published evidence and explore the current management strategies in these complex patients. Some treatment modalities are similar to those used in otherwise healthy children such as adenotonsillectomy, positive pressure ventilation and in the refractory cases, tracheostomy. However, there are some distinct approaches such as nasopharyngeal airways, tongue lip adhesion, mandibular distraction osteogenesis in children with Pierre Robin sequence, and midface advancement in children with craniosynostoses. Clinicians should have a low threshold for referral for evaluation of sleep-disordered-breathing in these patients.

Upper airway endoscopy to optimize obstructive sleep apnea treatment in Apert and Crouzon syndromes

INTRODUCTION

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is highly prevalent in children with Apert and Crouzon syndromes. Although often related to midface hypoplasia, it is a multi-level problem for which routine midface advancement might be a suboptimal treatment choice. We therefore wished to: 1.) use upper airway endoscopy to examine the level of obstruction in children with OSA; 2.) determine the relationship between endoscopic assessment and OSA severity; and 3.) evaluate the effect of surgery on endoscopic assessment and OSA severity.

METHODS

Prospective observational cohort study of patients considered for midface advancement, underwent upper airway endoscopy. Endoscopy findings were scored according to the system of Bachar, based on level (nose, uvulopalatine plane, tongue base, hypopharynx and larynx); and severity (no, partial or complete obstruction). Polysomnography was used to diagnose OSA.

RESULTS

We included 22 children (Apert N = 10, Crouzon N = 12), 17 had OSA, 14 of whom had multilevel obstruction and 3 single-level obstruction. The endoscopy findings were correlated with OSA severity: R = 0.56, P = 0.01. Midface advancement (N = 8) reduced Bachar's severity index in 7 of 8 patients, and OSA in all patients.

CONCLUSIONS

OSA in children with Apert or Crouzon syndrome is often a multi-level problem. Upper airway endoscopy is essential to optimizing OSA treatment.

Methods to Diagnose, Classify, and Monitor Infantile Deformational Plagiocephaly and Brachycephaly: A Narrative Review

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to review the literature for possible methods in diagnosing, classifying, and monitoring deformational plagiocephaly and brachycephaly.

METHODS

A search was conducted on articles through February 2014 in PubMed (Medline) and Google Scholar. Articles were included if they met the following criteria: (1) they were written in English or German; (2) they involved humans; (3) they were published in the last 10 years; (4) they had a primary research question about all possible methods for diagnosing, classifying, and monitoring deformational plagiocephaly and brachycephaly; and (5) an abstract was available.

RESULTS

The search resulted in 58 articles. After the review, the number was reduced to 16. Of the 16 articles included, 9 were reliability studies on measurements of deformational plagiocephaly. Six measurement tools for diagnosing, classifying, and monitoring deformational plagiocephaly and brachycephaly were found: visual assessment, anthropometric measurements with a caliper, measurements with a flexicurve, plagiocephalometry, 3-dimensional photography, and radiological imaging.

CONCLUSION

This study found that visual assessment, flexicurve, anthropometric measurements with a caliper, and plagiocephalometry are useful measurements. At present, the plagiocephalometry and the anthropometric measurements with a caliper are more reliable methods than the visual assessment and the measurement with a flexicurve.

[Study of the normality of the orbito-naso-frontal bandeau]

INTRODUCTION

Craniosynostoses are cranio-facial malformations affecting about 1/2100 newborns in France. The involvement of anterior sutures (coronal and metopic) leads to orbito-frontal deformities. The treatment calls upon surgery the goal being, on an esthetic point of view, to restore a normal anatomy. The purpose of our work was to establish if some facial and/or frontal measures easy to perform on a CT are correlated to the global shape of the normal orbito-naso-frontal bandeau (ONFB).

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Cranial CTs of 123 consecutive non-malformed children aged between 4 and 12 months were selected in the database of Department of Radiology of the University Hospital of Besançon - France. The CTs were all relocated by rigid transformation in an orthonormal coordinate system. On each of the 123 CTs, 21 reproducible measures representative of the global shape of the ONFB were made. Statistical analyses of these measures were achieved, considering age and gender, in order to determine the correlation between each measure and the ONFB shape.

RESULTS

The only measure statistically correlated to the ONFB shape was the distance between the fronto-zygomatic sutures (FZD). The FZD was independent from age (in an interval of 4 months) and from gender. The 20 other measures did not show any correlation with age or gender.

DISCUSSION

The FZD allows in itself to determine the ONFB global shape. This measure, easily available on a CT, can help the surgeon to perform a customized reshaping of the ONFB. The development of a surgical template using this measure is ongoing.

Correction of maxillofacial deformities in a patient with unilateral coronal craniosynostosis (plagiocephaly): a case report and a review of literatures

Plagiocephaly (oblique skull) is premature fusion of one of the coronal sutures. Frontal plagiocephaly is a rare congenital deformity in the skull that is the most complicated form of craniosynostosis to treat. Examination of all sutures is necessary for diagnosis of craniosynostosis In this article, a 10-month-old, healthy girl with deformity of the right forehead and orbit that is caused by frontal plagiocephaly and coronal unilateral synostosis is presented. This abnormality was corrected by frontal craniotomy and fronto-orbital complex advancement under general anesthesia. An exact clinical and radiographic (Multislice CT scan with 3-dimensional three dimensional reconstruction) examination with the suitable time of surgery is necessary for diagnosis of skull abnormality and prevention of treatment delay. Furthermore, 3D stereo-photo-grammetry is a radiation-free, non invasive method for evaluating the growth pattern of children in long term.

The relationship between scaphocephaly at the skull vault and skull base in sagittal synostosis

HYPOTHESIS

The skull vault is scaphocephalic in sagittal synostosis but little is known about the deformity at the skull base. If differential progressive deformity occurs between the vault and base, this might affect decision making regarding the timing of surgical intervention. We used 3-dimensional CT (3DCT) scans to compare deformity at the vault, base and posterior fossa in sagittal synostosis. Cephalic index (CI) was measured in 34 consecutive cases of isolated sagittal synostosis and 16 controls using predefined landmarks on the 3DCT volume data set. Planes were generated by a Vitrea™ workstation. Data were analysed by Student's t-test and Pearson coefficient.

RESULTS

Ratios of CI between the vault and base, and the vault and posterior fossa were significantly reduced in sagittal synostosis (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0031) demonstrating a milder deformity at the base and posterior fossa. However there was strong positive correlation between CI at the vault and base (r = 0.77, p < 0.0001). We have therefore shown for the first time that the deformity at the base is less severe, but is still closely correlated with the vault in unoperated sagittal synostosis. This study provides a basis for future work analysing the progression of these deformities before and after surgery.

Actual concepts in scaphocephaly : (an experience of 98 cases)

Craniosynostoses are recognized as a group of birth defects that impair the skull structures by early closure of one or more sutures, causing an abnormal cranial shape. Among the "simple" craniosynostoses, (a single closed suture) the most common is scaphocephaly. The 3D CT scan is the most relevant and rapid diagnostic test. The authors present the personal experience of 98 scaphocephaly cases diagnosed and surgically treated in the Neurosurgical Department of "Bagdasar-Arseni" Emergency Hospital during a period of 10 years (2000 - 2009). The procedure of choice was the Stein & Schut (1977) extensive craniotomy that removes the early closed suture. There were no post-operatory death cases and no abnormally closed sutures. The routine use of the craniotome facilitates the lateral osteotomy that allows a normal brain growth and a normal symmetrical skull shape development. The authors advocate for early surgery during the first 6 months of life.

Apert syndrome: report of a case with emphasis on oral manifestations

To report the oral findings, including dental anomalies, ectopic eruption of the maxillary permanent first molars and periodontal disease and soft tissue alterations, in a subject with Apert syndrome. Clinical and radiographic examination of a patient with Apert syndrome, aged 21 years old, not previously submitted for orthodontic or orthognathic treatment.Dental anomalies were present in a patient. Intraoral evaluation revealed poor oral hygiene with varying degrees of periodontal involvement, an arched swelling (pseudo cleft configuration), class III malocclusion, anterior open bite, posterior crossbite, supernumerary teeth, ectopic eruption and creamy white enamel opacities, an excessively large appearing tongue and a v-shaped maxillary arch. The occurrence of typical lateral palatal swellings agrees with the literature. The high prevalence of dental anomalies and ectopic eruption may suggest a possible etiologic relationship with the syndrome.