Outcome analysis of 85 patients undergoing the pi procedure for correction of sagittal synostosis

The reversal exchange technique of total calvarial reconstruction for sagittal synostosis

The role of total calvarial reconstruction in the treatment of sagittal synostosis remains controversial, especially in patients younger than 1 year of age. The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate the efficacy of a single surgical technique for total calvarial reconstruction (the reversal exchange technique) in patients younger than 1 year of age who had a radiographically confirmed diagnosis of sagittal synostosis. Twenty-three consecutive patients underwent the reversal exchange technique of total calvarial reconstruction at a median age of 3 months (age range, 6 weeks to 10 months). Quantitative assessments were performed on the basis of preoperative and postoperative (minimum, 6 months) measurements of the cephalic index (cranial width/cranial length x 100) taken from three-dimensional computed tomography scans, which were obtained in 18 of 23 patients. Aesthetic assessments were performed on the basis of the grading of preoperative and postoperative photographs, obtained in 17 of 23 patients, by three independent raters who were blinded as to the surgical technique. The mean preoperative cephalic index was 65.0, and the mean postoperative index was 76.4, yielding a mean improvement of 11.4 (17.5 percent). By photographic evaluation, 12 of 17 patients (70.6 percent) were classified as having a normal head shape (grade 4) and five of 17 (29.4 percent) as having minor residual deformities (grade 3). No patients were identified as having significant residual deformities (grades 1 or 2). There were two intraoperative complications and one postoperative complication, none of which resulted in permanent morbidity. It was concluded that the reversal exchange technique of total calvarial reconstruction provided significant improvement in head shape on the basis of quantitative measurements (cephalic index) and independent evaluations of aesthetic improvement.

Clinical Outcome of the Modified Pi-Plasty Procedure for Sagittal Synostosis

The aim of the study was to evaluate the modified pi-plasty procedure for the treatment of sagittal synostosis, assessing the issues of safety, complications, morphological outcome, and degree of parental satisfaction. A retrospective evaluation of 110 patients with nonsyndromal single suture sagittal synostosis operated on with the modified pi-plasty procedure was undertaken. Cephalometric radiographs were obtained preoperatively and postoperatively at ages 3 and 5 years in three standardized projections. The Cephalic Index and the Axial Width Ratio were determined and used as objective outcome measures. An evaluation of the radiographic digital markings was carried out using a Beaten Copper Score. A parental questionnaire was used to obtain a subjective esthetical outcome assessment. The patient population consisted of 76% boys and 24% girls with a 20% incidence of a positive familial history of craniosynostosis. The mean age at surgery was 7.73 months. Morbidity from the procedure was minimal and there were no mortalities. The Cephalic Index changed from a mean preoperative value of 65% to a postoperative mean value of 72% (P = 0.00004). The mean Axial Width Ratio changed from a preoperative 80% to 72% at the 3-year evaluation (P = 0.00029). The Beaten Copper score changed from a mean preoperative value of 2.35 to 5.42 postoperatively at 3 years (P = 0.00001). The response rate to the questionnaire was 86%, and there were significant postoperative improvements in all studied aspects of the skull shape. The modified pi-plasty is a safe technique, and it induces significant objective changes in skull morphology toward normality. It also yields a high degree of parental satisfaction with regard to aesthetic outcome, as evaluated by a written questionnaire.

Mental development after modified pi procedure: dynamic cranioplasty for sagittal synostosis

A prospective developmental assessment was performed on 26 patients operated on with dynamic cranioplasty for sagittal synostosis. Because this technique entails the application of compressive force, it was of great concern to assess the effect of surgery on development and mental status. The surgical technique used was a modified pi procedure. Perioperative variables were recorded. Six patients underwent preoperative intracranial pressure (ICP) measurements. To evaluate objectively the developmental outcome, the Griffiths' Mental Development Scales was used for analysis before and after surgery. A parental questionnaire was used for subjective outcome measurement. Preoperative ICP recordings during sleep ranged from 12.8 to 22.8 mmHg (mean, 16.1 mmHg). The mean age at the time for surgery was 6.9 months (range, 4-16 months; standard deviation [SD], 2.32 months). The surgical technique included shortening of the anteroposterior diameter of the skull by a mean of 16.6 mm. The mean global development quotient (GDQ) preoperatively was 104.5 (range, 82-144; SD, 12.4) and the mean GDQ postoperatively was 101.4 (range, 62-129; SD, 13.6). Mean age at follow-up was 16.3 months (range, 9-40 months; SD, 4.04 months). There was no significant correlation between the amount of intraoperative shortening and mental development. In comparison of means, the GDQ preoperatively did not differ significantly from the GDQ postoperatively. The modified pi procedure is safe and efficient. When surgery was performed before 1 year of age, no significant (p = 0.33) effect on mental development-either detrimental or beneficial-was demonstrated.

Synostectomy versus complex cranioplasty for the treatment of sagittal synostosis

Although pediatric neurosurgeons traditionally have been trained to perform a sagittal synostectomy for the treatment of sagittal synostosis, numerous articles advocating modifications of this procedure or more complex cranial vault reconstructions point our the inadequacies of strip craniectomy in providing optimal short- and long-term cosmesis. This review addresses the major arguments for and against performing complex cranioplasties for sagittal synostosis, as well as issues regarding timing of surgery, mortality and morbidity, increased need for blood transfusion, and increased expense. The authors support the contention that for the majority of infants with sagittal synostosis, complex calvarial vault reconstruction provides a better outcome with little increase in operative risk.