Operative Management of Nonsyndromic Sagittal Synostosis: A Head-to-Head Meta-analysis of Outcomes Comparing 3 Techniques

Efficacy and safety of sagittal synostosis surgery in older (> 12 months) patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Sagittal synostosis is the most common isolated craniosynostosis. Surgical treatment of this synostosis has been extensively described in the global literature, with promising outcomes when it is performed in the first 12 months of life. However, in some cases, patients older than 12 months arrive at the craniofacial center with this synostosis. A comprehensive study on efficacy and perioperative outcomes has yet to be fully explored in this population. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the available evidence of surgical outcomes for the treatment of sagittal synostosis among older patients to analyze the efficacy and safety of synostosis surgery in this unique population.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, and Scopus were searched for studies published from inception to March 2024 reporting surgical outcomes of synostosis surgery in older patients (> 12 months) with isolated sagittal synostosis. The main outcome was the reoperation rate, with secondary endpoints including transfusion rates, aesthetic outcomes, and surgical complications.

RESULTS

Nine studies were included in the final analysis. The pooled proportion of the reoperation rate was 1%. The rate of excellent aesthetic results was 95%. The need for transfusion associated with the procedures was 86%, and finally, surgical complications attained a pooled ratio of 2%, indicating minimal morbidity associated with the surgical repair.

CONCLUSION

Sagittal synostosis surgery is a safe and effective procedure to perform in older patients; this meta-analysis suggests that open surgery confers a significant rate of excellent aesthetic results with a low reoperation rate and minimal complications associated with the intervention. Future research with direct comparisons among different techniques will validate the findings of this study, which will all contribute to the rigor of synostosis management.

Sagittal Craniosynostosis: Treatment and Outcomes According to Age at Intervention

The purpose of this study is to describe the treatment strategies and outcomes of nonsyndromic single-suture sagittal craniosynostosis based on the patient's age at intervention. Studies from MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were systematically searched for patients with nonsyndromic single-suture sagittal craniosynostosis. Inclusion criteria encompassed studies with follow-up of at least 12 months, minimum of 25 patients per cohort, and first-time surgical intervention. The risk of bias in nonrandomized studies of intervention tool [Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies-of Interventions (ROBINS-I)] was applied. A total of 49 manuscripts with 3316 patients met criteria. Articles were categorized based on age at intervention; 0 to 6, older than 6 to 12, and older than 12 months. Fifteen of the manuscripts described interventions in more than 1 age group. From the 49 articles, 39 (n=2141) included patients 0 to 6 months old, 15 (n=669) discussed patients older than 6 to 12 months old, and 9 (n=506) evaluated patients older than 12 months old. Follow-up ranged from 12 to 144 months. Over 8 types of open surgical techniques were identified and 5 different minimally invasive procedures were described. Minimally invasive procedures were exclusively seen in the youngest patient cohort, while open cranial vault reconstructions were often seen in the 2 older cohorts. Endoscopic surgery and open conservative procedures are indicated for younger patients, while complex open cranial vault reconstructions are common in older patients. However, there is no consensus on one approach over the other. Even with the analysis of this review, we cannot factor a strong conclusion on a specific technique.

Craniometric and Aesthetic Outcomes in Craniosynostosis Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

To systematically review the published comparative aesthetic outcomes, and its determinants, for craniosynostoses surgically treated by minimally-invasive cranial procedures and open cranial vault remodeling (CVR).

DESIGN

PRISMA-compliant systematic review.

SETTING

Not-applicable.

PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS

Articles were included if they compared spring cranioplasty, strip minimally-invasive craniectomy or CVR for outcomes related to aesthetics or head shape. Forty-two studies were included, comprising 2402 patients.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

The craniometric and PROM used to determine surgical outcomes.

RESULTS

Twenty-five studies (59%) evaluated sagittal craniosynostosis, with metopic (7;17%) and unicoronal (4;10%) the next most prevalent. Thirty-eight studies (90%) included CVR, 24 (57%) included strip craniectomy with helmeting, 9 (22%) included strip craniectomy without helmeting, 11 (26%) included spring cranioplasty, and 3 (7%) included vault distraction. A majority of studies only used 1 (43%) or 2 (14%) craniometric measures to compare techniques. In sagittal synostosis, 13 (59%) studies showed no difference in craniometric outcomes, 5 (23%) showed better results with CVR, 3 (14%) with strip craniectomy, and 1 (5%) with springs. In studies describing other synostoses, 10/14 (71%) were equivocal. Subjective outcome measures followed similar trends. Meta-analysis shows no significant difference in cranial index (CI) outcomes between CVR and less invasive procedures in patients with sagittal synostosis.

CONCLUSIONS

There is no difference in CI outcomes between CVR and less invasive procedures. The majority of literature comparing craniometric and aesthetic outcomes between CVR and less invasive procedures shows equivocal results for sagittal synostosis. However, the heterogeneity of data for other craniosynostoses did not allow meta-analysis.

Sagittal Craniosynostosis: Comparing Surgical Techniques Using 3D Photogrammetry

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to compare three surgical interventions for correction of sagittal synostosis-frontobiparietal remodeling (FBR), extended strip craniotomy (ESC), and spring-assisted correction (SAC)-based on three-dimensional (3D) photogrammetry and operation characteristics.

METHODS

Patients who were born between 1991 and 2019 and diagnosed with nonsyndromic sagittal synostosis who underwent FBR, ESC, or SAC and had at least one postoperative 3D photogrammetry image taken during one of six follow-up appointments until age 6 were considered for this study. Operative characteristics, postoperative complications, reinterventions, and presence of intracranial hypertension were collected. To assess cranial growth, orthogonal cranial slices and 3D photocephalometric measurements were extracted automatically and evaluated from 3D photogrammetry images.

RESULTS

A total of 322 postoperative 3D images from 218 patients were included. After correcting for age and sex, no significant differences were observed in 3D photocephalometric measurements. Mean cranial shapes suggested that postoperative growth and shape gradually normalized with higher occipitofrontal head circumference and intracranial volume values compared with normal values, regardless of type of surgery. Flattening of the vertex seems to persist after surgical correction. The authors' cranial 3D mesh processing tool has been made publicly available as a part of this study.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that until age 6, there are no significant differences among the FBR, ESC, and SAC in their ability to correct sagittal synostosis with regard to 3D photocephalometric measurements. Therefore, efforts should be made to ensure early diagnosis so that minimally invasive surgery is a viable treatment option.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, III.

Three-Dimensional Assessment of Frontal Bossing and Temporal Pinching in Patients with Sagittal Craniosynostosis Using Curvature Analysis

BACKGROUND

Sagittal craniosynostosis results in varying degrees of frontal bossing and bilateral temporal pinching. This study assessed the three-dimensional changes in these regions using curvature analysis and volumetric analysis before and 1 year after extended sagittal strip craniectomy (ESC) with postoperative helmet therapy.

METHODS

A retrospective review of three-dimensional photographs of 50 subjects treated with ESC with postoperative helmet therapy and 50 age-matched controls was performed. Images were collected preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively. Forehead convexity and temple concavity were quantified. Computed tomographic scans of subjects with and without sagittal synostosis were analyzed to assess the percentage of total intracranial volume (ICV) in the anterior cranial fossa before and after ESC with postoperative helmet therapy.

RESULTS

Forehead convexity in the ESC with postoperative helmet therapy group preoperatively (24.49 ± 3.16 m -1 ) was significantly greater than controls (22.48 ± 3.84 m -1 ; P = 0.005). Forehead convexity significantly decreased after ESC with postoperative helmet therapy (18.79 ± 2.43 m -1 ; P < 0.001) and did not differ from controls (19.67 ± 3.08 m -1 ; P = 0.115). The ESC group had more concave temples preoperatively (-10.27 ± 4.37 m -1 ) as compared with controls (-6.99 ± 3.55 m -1 ; P < 0.001). Temple concavity significantly decreased after ESC (-4.82 ± 3.17 m -1 ; P < 0.001) and did not differ from controls (-5.64 ± 3.27 m -1 ; P = 0.075). In the ESC group, the percentage ICV in the anterior cranial fossa decreased from 22.03% to 18.99% after surgery, whereas the anterior volume in controls was stable (17.74% to 16.81%).

CONCLUSIONS

The ESC group had significantly greater forehead convexity, temple concavity and anterior cranial fossa volume compared with controls. One year after ESC with postoperative helmet therapy, forehead convexity, temple concavity, and percentage ICV in the anterior fossa were comparable to controls.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, IV.

Sagittal synostosis: does choice of intervention and its timing affect the long-term aesthetic and neurodevelopmental outcome? A single-institution study of 167 children

OBJECTIVE

Sagittal craniosynostosis (SC) is the most commonly encountered form of craniosynostosis. Despite its relative frequency, there remains significant heterogeneity in both operative management and follow-up between centers and a relative paucity of long-term outcome data in the literature. At the authors' institution, families of children presenting with SC are offered the following options: 1) conservative management with ophthalmic surveillance, 2) minimally invasive surgery at < 6 months of age (spring-assisted cranioplasty [SAC]) or 3) calvarial vault remodeling at any age (CVR). The authors reviewed outcomes for all children presenting with SC during a 5-year period, regardless of the treatment received.

METHODS

Consecutive children born between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2012, presenting with SC were identified, and detailed chart reviews were undertaken. Demographic, surgical, perioperative, head shape, scar, and neurodevelopmental (behavioral, education, speech, and language) data were analyzed. The cohort was divided by type of surgery (none, SAC, or CVR) and by age at surgery (early, defined as ≤ 6 months; or late, defined as > 6 months) for comparison purposes.

RESULTS

A total of 167 children were identified, 129 boys and 38 girls, with a median age at presentation of 5.0 (range 0.4-135) months. Three families opted for conservative management. Of the 164 children who underwent surgery, 83 underwent SAC, 76 underwent CVR, and 5 underwent a "hybrid" procedure (CVR with springs). At a median age of 7.0 (range 0.5-12.3) years, there was no significant difference in concerns regarding head shape, scar, or neurodevelopmental outcomes between the early and late intervention groups over all procedures performed, or between the early or late SAC and CVR cohorts. There were more head shape concerns in the SAC group than in the CVR group overall (25.7% vs 11.8%, respectively; p = 0.026), although most of these concerns were minor and did not require revision.

CONCLUSIONS

In this cohort, regardless of operative intervention and timing of intervention, infants achieved similar neurodevelopmental outcomes. Minimally invasive surgery (SAC) appears to result in less complete correction of head shape than CVR, but this may be balanced by advantages in reduced operative time, hospitalization, and blood loss. SAC was equal to CVR in neuropsychological outcomes.

A multi-institutional survey on calvarial vault remodeling techniques for sagittal synostosis and outcomes analysis for patients treated at 12 months and older

OBJECTIVE

Surgical treatment of sagittal craniosynostosis is challenging in older patients. This study aimed to assess the effect of increasing age on open surgical technique selection and patient outcomes using the multi-institutional Synostosis Research Group (SynRG) collaboration.

METHODS

Surgeons in SynRG were surveyed for key influences on their preferred open calvarial vault remodeling techniques at various patient ages: < 6, 6-12, and > 12 months. The SynRG database was then queried for open repairs of nonsyndromic sagittal craniosynostosis performed for patients older than 12 months of age. Perioperative measures, complications, and preoperative and postoperative cephalic indices were reviewed.

RESULTS

All surgeons preferred to treat patients at an earlier age, and most (89%) believed that less-optimal outcomes were achieved at ages older than 12 months. The modified pi procedure was the dominant technique in those younger than 12 months, while more involved open surgical techniques were performed for older patients, with a wide variety of open calvarial vault remodeling techniques used. Forty-four patients met inclusion criteria, with a mean (± SD) age at surgery of 29 ± 16 months. Eleven patients underwent parietal reshaping, 10 parietal-occipital switch, 9 clamshell craniotomy, 7 geometric parietal expansion, 6 modified pi procedure, and 1 parietal distraction. There were no readmissions, complications, or mortality within 30 days postoperatively. Patients' cephalic indices improved a mean of 6.4% ± 4.0%, with a mean postoperative cephalic index of 74.2% ± 4.9%. Differences in postoperative cephalic index (p < 0.04) and hospital length of stay (p = 0.01) were significant between technique cohorts. Post hoc Tukey-Kramer analysis identified the parietal reshaping technique as being significantly associated with a reduced hospital length of stay.

CONCLUSIONS

Patient age is an important driver in technique selection, with surgeons selecting a more involved calvarial vault remodeling technique in older children. A variety of surgical techniques were analyzed, with the parietal reshaping technique being significantly associated with reduced length of stay; however, multiple perioperative factors may be contributory and require further analysis. When performed at high-volume centers by experienced pediatric neurosurgeons and craniofacial surgeons, open calvarial vault techniques can be a safe method for treating sagittal craniosynostosis in older children.

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.

Morphologic Differences in Sagittal Synostosis with Age before Surgery

BACKGROUND

It is important to determine whether sagittal synostosis-associated scaphocephaly is static in the presurgical period, or whether there are morphologic differences with time to include in surgical decision-making. The authors' purpose was to perform cross-sectional analysis of cranial morphology before any surgical intervention in children with sagittal synostosis younger than 9 months compared to matched controls.

METHODS

The authors performed morphometric analysis on computed tomographic scans from 111 untreated isolated sagittal synostosis patients younger than 9 months and 37 age-matched normal controls. The authors divided the patients into three age groups and performed statistical comparison between sagittal synostosis and controls for each group.

RESULTS

Sagittal synostosis cephalic indices were stable and lower in patients than in controls across groups. Total cranial volume was equivalent, but sagittal synostosis patients had a greater posterior volume than controls at all ages and a smaller middle fossa volume at older ages. Pterional width was greater in sagittal synostosis patients than in controls for each age group. Frontal bossing vectors were most severe in the youngest age groups and least in the older group. Occipital protuberance was consistent across the age groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Upper parietal narrowing and occipital protuberance were the consistent deformities across age groups, with the most parietal constriction seen in older patients. Frontal bossing was not consistent and was more severe in the younger patients. The authors did not detect significant pterional constriction, and the appearance of constriction is relative to adjacent morphology and not absolute.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Risk, II.

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.

Suturectomies Assisted by Cranial Orthosis Remodeling for the Treatment of Craniosynostosis Can Be Performed Without an Endoscope

BACKGROUND

Minimally-invasive endoscopic strip-craniectomy (or suturectomy) for the repair of craniosynostosis combined with postoperative cranial orthotic molding has been widely adopted in the past 2 decades, proving itself as a safe and effective procedure. Over time the authors transitioned from performing an endoscopic strip-craniectomy, to performing the same surgery without the endoscope. The authors here describe our technique and compare its results to those published in the literature for endoscopic suturectomies.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed for patients with nonsyndromic craniosynostosis who underwent minimally-invasive nonendoscopic suturectomy between 2019 and 2020 at our institution.

RESULTS

Thirteen patients (11 males; 2 females) were operated including 5 Metopic, 5 Sagittal, 2 coronal, and 1 lambdoid craniosynostosis. The average age at surgery was 4.35 months. The average length of surgery was 71 minutes. Averaged intraoperative estimated blood loss was 31.54 mL. Eleven patients received a blood transfusion (most before performing the skin incision) with a mean amount of 94.62 mL of blood transfused during surgery. The mean hemoglobin at discharge was 10.38 mg/dL. There was only 1 intraoperative mild complication. The mean intrahospital length of stay was 1.77 days with no postoperative complications noted. All patients initiated remodeling orthotic treatment following surgery. Long-term follow-up scans were available for 8 patients (5 metopic, 2 sagittal, and 1 lambdoid) with an average follow-up of 9 months. In all cases, there was a significant improvement in the skull width at the synostosis location as well as in the skull proportions and symmetry. The above outcomes are similar to those published in the literature for endoscope-assisted strip-craniectomies.

CONCLUSIONS

Suturectomies assisted with cranial orthosis remodeling for the treatment of all types of nonsyndromic craniosynostosis can be performed without an endoscope while maintaining minimal-invasiveness, good surgical results, and low complication rates.

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.

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.

Evaluating Surgical Decision-making in Nonsyndromic Sagittal Craniosynostosis Using a Digital 3D Model

Surgical correction of craniosynostosis addresses potentially elevated intracranial pressure and the cranial deformity. In nonsyndromic sagittal synostosis, approximately 15% of patients have elevated intracranial pressure. The decision to operate therefore likely reflects a combination of aesthetic goals, prevention of brain growth restriction over time, surgeon training and experience, and parental expectations. This study examines clinical factors that influence surgical decision-making in nonsyndromic sagittal synostosis.

Methods

An online survey sent to craniofacial and neurosurgeons presented 5 theoretical patients with varying severities of sagittal synostosis. For each cephalic index, 4 separate clinical scenarios were presented to assess influences of parental concern and developmental delay on the decision to operate.

Results

Fifty-six surveys were completed (response rate = 28%). Participants were predominantly from North America (57%), had over 10 years of experience (75%), and performed over 20 craniosynostosis procedures annually (50%). Thirty percent of respondents indicated they would operate regardless of head shape and without clinical and/or parental concern. Head shape was the greatest predictor of decision to operate (P < 0.001). Parental concern and developmental delay were independently associated with decision to operate (P < 0.001). Surgeons with more experience were also more likely to operate across all phenotypes (OR: 2.69, P < 0.004).

Conclusions

Surgeons responding to this survey were more strongly compelled to operate on children with nonsyndromic sagittal craniosynostosis when head shape was more severe. Additional factors, including parental concern and developmental delay, also influence the decision to operate, especially for moderate phenotypes. Geographic and subspecialty variations were not significant.

Improved cephalic index following early cranial vault remodeling in patients with isolated nonsyndromic sagittal synostosis

OBJECTIVE

Isolated nonsyndromic sagittal synostosis (SS) is the most common form of craniosynostosis in children, accounting for approximately 60% of all craniosynostoses. The typical cranial measurement used to define and follow SS is the cephalic index (CI). Several surgical techniques have been suggested, but agreement on type and timing of surgery is lacking. This study aimed to evaluate the authors' institutional experience of surgically treating SS using a modified subtotal cranial vault remodeling technique in a population-based cohort. Special attention was directed toward the effect of patient age at time of surgery on long-term CI outcome.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on all patients with isolated nonsyndromic SS who were surgically treated from 2003 to 2011. Data from electronic medical records were gathered. Eighty-two patients with SS were identified, 77 fulfilled inclusion criteria, and 72 had sufficient follow-up data and were included. CI during follow-up after surgery was investigated with ANOVA and a linear mixed model.

RESULTS

In total, 72 patients were analyzed, consisting of 16 females (22%) and 56 males (78%). The mean ± SD age at surgery was 4.1 ± 3.1 months. Blood transfusions were received by 81% of patients (26% intraoperatively, 64% postoperatively, 9% both). The mean ± SD time in the pediatric ICU was 1.1 ± 0.25 days, and the mean ± SD total hospital length of stay was 4.6 ± 2.0 days. No patient required reoperation. The mean ± SD CI increased from 69 ± 3 to 87 ± 5 for patients who underwent surgery before 45 days of age. Surgery resulted in a larger increase in CI for patients who underwent surgery at a younger age compared with older patients (p < 0.05, Tukey's HSD test). In the comparison of patients who underwent surgery before 45 days of age with patients who underwent surgery at 45-90, 90-180, and more than 180 days of age, the linear mixed model estimated a long-term loss of CI of 3.0, 5.5, and 7.4 points, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The modified subtotal cranial vault remodeling technique used in this study significantly improved CI in patients with SS. The best results were achieved when surgery was performed early in life.

Ultra-early synostectomy and cranial remodeling orthoses in the management of craniosynostoses

OBJECTIVE

The advent of endoscopic synostectomy has enabled early surgery for infants with craniosynostosis. Even though diagnosis is often made at birth, endoscopic synostectomy has traditionally been delayed until the infant is 3 months of age. There have been very few published reports of this procedure being performed in the early neonatal period. The authors discuss their experience with ultra-early endoscopic synostectomy, defined as an operation for infants aged 8 weeks or younger.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of infants who underwent operations at or before 8 weeks of age between 2011 and 2020 was done.

RESULTS

Twenty-five infants underwent operations: 11 were 2 weeks of age or younger, 8 were between 3 and 4 weeks of age, and 6 were between 5 and 8 weeks of age. The infants weighed between 2.25 and 4.8 kg. Eighteen had single-suture synostosis, and 7 had multiple sutures involved. Of these 7, 4 had syndromic craniosynostosis. The average operative time was 35 minutes, and it was less than 40 minutes in 19 cases. The estimated operative blood loss was 25 ml or less in 19 cases; 5 infants required an intraoperative blood transfusion. In 1 child with syndromic multisuture craniosynostosis, the surgery was staged due to blood loss. Two children experienced complications related to the procedure: one had an incidental durotomy with skin infection, and the other had postoperative kernicterus. All infants were fitted for cranial remodeling orthoses following surgery. Three of the 25 infants required reoperations, with 2 patients with syndromic craniosynostosis needing repeat surgery for cranial volume expansion and cosmetic appearance. Another child with syndromic craniosynostosis is awaiting cranial expansion surgery. Follow-up varied between 6 months and 8 years.

CONCLUSIONS

The data show that ultra-early synostectomy is safe and not associated with increased complications compared with surgery performed between 3 and 6 months of age. Infants with multisuture synostosis had increased operative time, required blood transfusion, and were more likely to require a second operation.

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.

Comparison of Perioperative Outcomes and Parental Satisfaction Outcomes of Strip Craniectomy with Postoperative Helmet versus Spring-Mediated Remodeling in Sagittal Craniosynostosis

INTRODUCTION

We sought to compare outcomes and parental satisfaction between 2 approaches for sagittal craniosynostosis: strip craniectomy with spring-mediated skull remodeling (SMSR) and strip craniectomy with postoperative helmet (SCH).

METHODS

Perioperative and outcome data for SMSR or SCH patients between September 2010 and July 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. A telephone survey was administered to parents of children who underwent both procedures.

RESULTS

A total of 62 children were treated for sagittal craniosynostosis by either SMSR (n = 45) or SCH (n = 17). The SCH group had a lower estimated blood loss (27 vs. 47.06 mL, p = 0.021) and age at surgery (13.0 vs. 19.8 weeks) than the SMSR group. Three patients underwent early springs removal due to trauma or dislodgement, all of whom converted to helmeting. Of the 62 children initially identified, 59 were determined to have an adequate follow-up time to assess long-term outcomes. The mean follow-up time was 30.1 months (n = 16) in the SCH group and 32.0 months in the SMSR group (n = 43, p = 0.39). Two patients in the SCH group and one in the SMSR group converted to open cranial vault reconstruction. Thirty parents agreed to respond to the satisfaction survey (8 SCH, 22 SMSR) based on a Likert scale of responses (0 being most dissatisfied possible, 4 most satisfied possible). Average satisfaction was 3.86/4.0 in the SCH group and 3.45/4.0 in the SMSR group. No parents in the SCH group would change to SMSR, while 3 of the 22 SMSR survey responders would have changed to SCH.

CONCLUSIONS

Perioperative outcomes and average parental satisfaction were similar in both groups. Importance of helmet wear compliance and risk of spring dislodgement should be discussed with parents.

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.

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.

Spring-Assisted Surgery for Treatment of Sagittal Craniosynostosis

ABSTRACT

Craniosynostosis (CSS), the premature fusion of calvarial sutures, most commonly involves the sagittal suture. Cranial vault remodeling (CVR) is a traditional method of CSS correction. Minimally invasive methods are becoming widely accepted, including spring-assisted surgery (SAS). The equipment required for SAS is minimal therefore adaptable to resource challenged health systems. This paper outlines the experience of SAS in Moldova.A retrospective study was performed for patients treated with SAS for sagittal CSS from 2011 to 2018 in Moldova. Perioperative data were recorded including age, length of surgery, blood loss, volume transfused and length of stay. Four patients had pre- and post-operative computed tomography (CT) scans which were used to calculate changes in cephalic index, normative cephalic index, and intracranial volume.Thirteen patients underwent SAS. Diagnoses were made clinically and confirmed with CT. Mean age at surgery was 4.0 months, and length of surgery 62.7 minutes. All but one patient received a blood transfusion, as is standard of practice in Moldova. The mean length of post-operative recovery in ICU was 30.9 hours. No complications required surgical revision. Springs were removed after 4 to 5 months. All patients had a subjective improvement in scaphocephaly. Based on the available CT scans, an increase in cephalic index (7.3%), normative cephalic index (11.8%), and intracranial volume (38.1%) was observed. One patient underwent SAS at 11 months and required cranioplasty for asymmetry at the time of spring removal.SAS is a safe and cost-effective method of CSS correction that can be utilized in countries with limited health system resources.

Total Cranial Reconstruction for the Treatment of Sagittal Craniosynostosis in Children

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of total cranial reconstruction for sagittal synostosis (scaphocephaly) deformity in Chinese children.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed involving 23 children with isolated non-syndromic sagittal synostosis who were treated by total calvarial vault remodeling after 1 year of age from May 2015 to June 2019 in the Department of Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University. The authors reconstruct patients' pre- and post-operative cranial thin-section CT scan images and those of the control group. The cephalic index (traditional, normative), intracranial volume, horizontal point of maximum width (H-PMW), vertical point of maximum width (V-PMW), frontal to head height ratio and occipital to head height ratio data were analyzed using a paired t test or Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

RESULTS

Twenty-three patients met the inclusion criteria, including 19 males and 4 females. The ratio of males to females was 4.7:1. All patients underwent total cranial reconstruction. The average age was 26.52 months (13-48 months), the average operation time was 214.13 minutes (150-265 minutes), and the average amount of suspended erythrocytes was 200 ml (100-400 ml). The cranial morphology of all patients improved significantly after the operation. The traditional cephalic index (pre-operative: 0.70 (0.04); post-operative: 0.78 (0.02)) and normative cephalic index (pre-operative: 0.68 (0.03); post-operative: 0.77 (0.02)) were significantly increased (P < 0.0001). The mean horizontal point of maximum width improved from 0.54 to 0.56 (P = 0.0043), the mean vertical point of maximum width decreased from 0.59 to 0.54 (P = 0.0006), the frontal height decreased from 0.89 to 0.77 (P < 0.0001), and the occipital height improved from 0.78 to 0.88 (P < 0.0001). The intracranial volume increased from 1287.35 to 1426.90 cm3 (P < 0.0001). All of the children had a good skull shape and no recurrence of deformity.

CONCLUSIONS

Total calvarial reconstruction can effectively correct scaphocephaly in Chinese children, expand cranial volume, reduce cranial height, shorten fronto-occipital diameters and enlarge biparietal diameters.

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.

Predicting calvarial morphology in sagittal craniosynostosis

Early fusion of the sagittal suture is a clinical condition called, sagittal craniosynostosis. Calvarial reconstruction is the most common treatment option for this condition with a range of techniques being developed by different groups. Computer simulations have a huge potential to predict the calvarial growth and optimise the management of this condition. However, these models need to be validated. The aim of this study was to develop a validated patient-specific finite element model of a sagittal craniosynostosis. Here, the finite element method was used to predict the calvarial morphology of a patient based on its preoperative morphology and the planned surgical techniques. A series of sensitivity tests and hypothetical models were carried out and developed to understand the effect of various input parameters on the result. Sensitivity tests highlighted that the models are sensitive to the choice of input parameter. The hypothetical models highlighted the potential of the approach in testing different reconstruction techniques. The patient-specific model highlighted that a comparable pattern of calvarial morphology to the follow up CT data could be obtained. This study forms the foundation for further studies to use the approach described here to optimise the management of sagittal craniosynostosis.

Partial hybrid cranial vault remodeling in late correction of scaphocephaly and revision surgery. A monocentric retrospective study of nine consecutive cases

There is currently no consensus on the surgical attitude to be adopted for late management of sagittal synostosis or for revision scaphocephaly surgeries without prolapse of the cerebellar tonsils. We present here a monocentric retrospective study of nine patients operated consecutively by a fixed expansion method of the cranial vault which may be associated with a fronto-orbital remodeling. The procedure consists in the realization of multiple parietal tongue-in-groove osteotomies fixed by resorbable plates. Simultaneous fronto-orbital remodeling have been performed when needed. No intraoperative complication was noted. The average operating time was 141min. Six patients (66.7%) had a blood transfusion during the perioperative period. The average hospital stay was 4.8days. With a mean follow-up of 26,7months, no surgical revision was noted. In all patients with clinical or ophthalmologic signs of intracranial hypertension, we highlighted a disappearance of signs within 4months. No protective helmet has been used. The craniofacial remodeling was judged very good by the family and the surgical team. Multiple tongue-in-groove tenons remolding cranioplasty associated or not with a fronto-orbital advancement is a safe technique. It seems to us to be a good alternative to floating or fixed bi-parietal or bi-parieto-frontal cranial flaps because of the very large increase in endocranial volume and the possibility of physiologically and aesthetically remodeling the parietal and fronto-orbital regions.

A comparison of endoscopic strip craniectomy and pi craniectomy for treatment of sagittal craniosynostosis

OBJECTIVE

Sagittal craniosynostosis is managed with a wide variety of operative strategies. The current investigation compares the clinical outcomes of two widely performed techniques: pi craniectomy and minimally invasive endoscopic strip craniectomy (ESC) followed by helmet therapy.

METHODS

This IRB-approved retrospective study examined patients diagnosed with nonsyndromic, single-suture sagittal craniosynostosis treated with either pi craniectomy or ESC. Included patients had a minimum postoperative follow-up of 5 months.

RESULTS

Fifty-one patients met the inclusion criteria (pi 21 patients, ESC 30 patients). Compared to patients who underwent ESC, the pi patients were older at the time of surgery (mean age 5.06 vs 3.11 months). The mean follow-up time was 23.2 months for ESC patients and 31.4 months for pi patients. Initial cranial index (CI) was similar between the groups, but postoperatively the ESC patients experienced a 12.3% mean increase in CI (from 0.685 to 0.767) compared to a 5.34% increase for the pi patients (from 0.684 to 0.719), and this difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Median hospital length of stay (1 vs 2 days) and operative duration (69.5 vs 93.3 minutes) were significantly less for ESC (p < 0.001 for both). The ESC patients showed a trend toward better results when surgery was done at younger ages. Craniectomy width in ESC cases was positively associated with CI improvement (slope of linear regression = 0.69, p = 0.026).

CONCLUSIONS

While both techniques effectively treated sagittal craniosynostosis, ESC showed superior results compared to pi craniectomy. ESC showed a trend for better outcomes when done at younger ages, although the trend did not reach statistical significance. A wider craniectomy width (up to 2 cm) was associated with better outcomes than smaller craniectomy widths among the ESC patients.

An Overview of Modelling Craniosynostosis Using the Finite Element Method

Craniosynostosis is a medical condition caused by the early fusion of the cranial joint. The finite element method (FEM) is a computational technique that can answer a variety of "what if" questions in relation to the biomechanics of this condition. The aim of this study was to review the current literature that has used FEM to investigate the biomechanics of any aspect of craniosynostosis, being its development or its reconstruction. This review highlights that a relatively small number of studies (n = 10) has used FEM to investigate the biomechanics of craniosynostosis. Current studies set a good foundation for the future to take advantage of this method and optimize reconstruction of various forms of craniosynostosis.

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.

Comparing Cephalic Index and Midsagittal Vector Analysis in Assessing Morphology in Sagittal Synostosis: A CT-Based Morphometric Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Assessment of cranial dysmorphism in sagittal synostosis is often subjective but objective measures can be applied. These include cephalic index (CI) and midsagittal vector analysis (MSVA).

OBJECTIVE

To assess discriminant validity, construct validity, and responsiveness of CI and MSVA measured from computed tomography (CT) in patients with sagittal synostosis.

METHODS

Patients with nonsyndromic isolated sagittal synostosis with complete preoperative (n = 30) and postoperative (n = 13) CT data were included. Age-matched control group (n = 24) comprised of normocephalic patients who underwent CT for reasons related to trauma.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Retrospective CT evaluation of CI and MSVA was conducted and correlated with a dysmorphism numeric rating scale (D-NRS) that measured surgeon-rated severity of sagittal synostosis. Responsiveness of CI and MSVA was evaluated using dysmorphism global rating of change (D-GRC).

RESULTS

Thirty patients with sagittal synostosis were demographically similar to 24 normocephalic patients. The difference in CI and MSVA was statistically significant between normocephalic and scaphocephalic patients. Cephalic index had a good correlation with D-NRS (r = -0.665, ρ = -0.667), but not with MSVA (r = 0.250, ρ = 0.203). Change in CI (r = 0.738, ρ = 0.657) was well correlated with D-GRC, but not with MSVA (r = -0.409, ρ = -0.301).

CONCLUSION

Cephalic index appears to quantify the severity of sagittal synostosis better than MSVA. Cephalic index also has better responsiveness than MSVA to measure a reduction in severity of disease; however, MSVA is a better descriptive craniometric measurement. Midsagittal vector analysis was able to quantify the shift in morphology in sagittal synostosis following surgical treatment.

Incomplete reossification after craniosynostosis surgery-incidence and analysis of risk factors: a clinical-radiological assessment study

OBJECTIVE One of the principles of the surgical treatment of craniosynostosis includes the release of fused bone plates to prevent recurrence. Such bone defects require a reossification process after surgery to prevent a cosmetic problem or brain vulnerability to damage. The objective of this study is to describe and analyze the radiological and clinical evolution of bone defects after craniosynostosis. METHODS From January 2005 to May 2016, 248 infants underwent surgical correction of craniosynostosis at HUiP La Fe Valencia; the authors analyzed data from 216 of these cases that met the inclusion criteria for this study. Various surgical techniques were used according to the age of the patient and severity of the case, including endoscopic-assisted suturectomy, open suturectomy, fronto-orbital advancement, and cranial vault remodeling. Clinical follow-up and radiological quantitative measurements in 2 periods-12-24 months and 2 years after surgery-were analyzed; 94 patients had a postoperative CT scan and were included in the radiological analysis. RESULTS At the end of the follow-up period, 92 of 216 patients (42.59%) showed complete closure of the bone defect, 112 patients (51.85%) had minor bone defects, and 12 patients (5.56%) had significant bone defects that required surgical intervention. In the multivariate analysis, age at first surgery was not significantly associated with incomplete reossification (p = 0.15), nor was surgical site infection (p = 0.75). Multivariate analysis identified area of cranial defect greater than 5 cm² in the first CT scan as predictive of incomplete reossification (p = 0.04). The mean area of cranial defect in the first CT scan (12-24 months after surgery) was 3.69 cm² in patients treated with open surgery and 7.13 cm² in those treated with endoscopic-assisted procedures; in the multivariate analysis, type of procedure was not related to incomplete reossification (p = 0.46). The positive predictive value of palpation as evaluation of bone cranial defects was 50% for significant defects and 71% for minor defects. CONCLUSIONS The incidence of cranial defects due to incomplete reossification requiring cranioplasty was 5.56% in our series. Defects greater than 5 cm² in the first postoperative CT scan showed a positive association with incomplete reossification. Patients treated with endoscope-assisted procedures had larger defects in the initial follow-up, but the final incidence of cranial defects was not significantly different in the endoscope-assisted surgery group from that in the open surgery group.

Modification of the Melbourne Method for Total Calvarial Vault Remodeling

Background:

Sagittal synostosis is the most common form of single suture synostosis. It often results in characteristic calvarial deformities, including a long, narrow head, frontal bossing, a bullet-shaped occiput, and an anteriorly placed vertex. Several methods for correcting the phenotypic deformities have been described, each with their own advantages and challenges. In this study, we describe a modification of the Melbourne method of total calvarial remodeling for correcting scaphocephaly.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective review of all consecutive patients who underwent total calvarial remodeling using a modified version of the Melbourne technique from 2011 to 2015. We evaluated clinical photographs, computed tomographic imaging, and cephalic indices both pre- and postoperatively to determine morphologic changes after operation.

Results:

A total of 9 patients underwent the modified Melbourne technique for calvarial vault remodeling during the study period. Intraoperative blood loss was 260 mL (range, 80–400 mL), and mean intraoperative transfusion was 232 mL (range, 0–360 mL). The average length of stay in the hospital was 3.9 days. The mean cephalic indices increased from 0.66 to 0.74 postoperatively (P < 0.01).

Conclusions:

A modified Melbourne method for calvarial vault reconstruction addresses the phenotypic aspects of severe scaphocephaly associated with isolated sagittal synostosis and maintains a homeotopic relationship across the calvaria. It is associated with shorter operative times, lower blood loss, and lower transfusion requirements.

The Etiology of Neuronal Development in Craniosynostosis: A Working Hypothesis

Craniosynostosis is one of the most common craniofacial conditions treated by neurologic and plastic surgeons. In addition to disfigurement, children with craniosynostosis experience significant cognitive dysfunction later in life. Surgery is performed in infancy to correct skull deformity; however, the field is at a crossroads regarding the best approach for correction. Since the cause of brain dysfunction in these patients has remained uncertain, the role and type of surgery might have in attenuating the later-observed cognitive deficits through impact on the brain has been unclear. Recently, however, advances in imaging such as event-related potentials, diffusion tensor imaging, and functional MRI, in conjunction with more robust clinical studies, are providing important insight into the potential etiologies of brain dysfunction in syndromic and nonsyndromic craniosynostosis patients. This review aims to outline the cause(s) of such brain dysfunction including the role extrinsic vault constriction might have on brain development and the current evidence for an intrinsic modular developmental error in brain development. Illuminating the cause of brain dysfunction will identify the role of surgery can play in improving observed functional deficits and thus direct optimal primary and adjuvant treatment.

An Appraisal of the Cephalic Index in Sagittal Craniosynostosis, and the Unseen Third Dimension

BACKGROUND

The cephalic index is often used to evaluate sagittal craniosynostosis corrections; however, validation of this measure remains untested.

METHODS

A three-part study was designed to (1) determine the normal distribution of cephalic indices in untreated sagittal craniosynostosis; (2) examine index values in treated children, subsequently determined to require secondary surgery; and (3) explore the correlation between a photography-based assessment of scaphocephaly severity and the cephalic index.

RESULTS

Of 392 preoperatively measured patients (mean cephalic index, 70.7; 95 percent CI, 57.4 to 89.5), 343 (87.5 percent) had Z scores falling within 2 SD of the mean; only 49 (12.5 percent) fell more than 2 SD below the mean, whereas 13 percent exceeded the mean. For 10 patients requiring secondary surgery (mean cephalic index, 74.8; 95 percent CI, 68.1 to 83.4), the mean Z score was -0.5 (range, -2.5 to 1.6). The polled results of 10 observers revealed no significant correlation between subjectively ranked severity scores and cephalic indices.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the average preoperative cephalic index in children with sagittal craniosynostosis was below normal, the majority of measurements fell within a statistically normal distribution. Furthermore, many children requiring secondary corrections were found to have relatively normal indices, suggesting that normal values are not necessarily predictive of satisfactory outcomes. We also found no correlation between this index and a subjective assessment of severity. These findings suggest that the cephalic index is not a reliable outcome measure, perhaps because of the inability for this ratio to capture the amount of correction of the reduced posterior skull height associated with sagittal craniosynostosis.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Diagnostic, IV.

Cranial bone structure in children with sagittal craniosynostosis: Relationship with surgical outcomes

BACKGROUND

While spring-assisted cranioplasty has become a widespread technique to correct scaphocephaly in children with sagittal synostosis, predicting head shape changes induced by the gradual opening of the springs remains challenging. This study aimed to explore the role of cranial bone structure on surgical outcomes.

METHODS

Patients with isolated sagittal synostosis undergoing spring-assisted cranioplasty at GOSH (London, UK) were recruited (n = 18, age: 3-8 months). Surgical outcome was assessed by the change in cephalic index measured on 3D head scans acquired before spring insertion and after their removal using a 3D handheld scanner. Parietal bone samples routinely discarded during spring-assisted cranioplasty were collected and scanned using micro-computed tomography. From visual assessment of such scans, bone structure was classified into one- or three-layered, the latter indicating the existence of a diploë cavity. Bone average thickness, volume fraction and surface density were computed and correlated with changes in cephalic index.

RESULTS

Cephalic index increased for all patients (p < 0.001), but individual improvement varied. Although the patient age and treatment duration were not significantly correlated with changes in cephalic index, bone structural parameters were. The increase of cephalic index was smaller with increasing bone thickness (Pearson's r = -0.79, p < 0.001) and decreasing bone surface density (r = 0.77, p < 0.001), associated with the three-layered bone structure.

CONCLUSIONS

Variation in parietal bone micro-structure was associated with the magnitude of head shape changes induced by spring-assisted cranioplasty. This suggests that bone structure analysis could be a valuable adjunct in designing surgical strategies that yield optimal patient-specific outcomes.

[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.