The Phenotypes of Spheno-Occipital Synchondrosis in Patients With Crouzon Syndrome

Timing of Spheno-Occipital Synchondrosis Closure in Cleft Lip and Palate Patients in Iranian Population

This study aimed to evaluate the chronological age range associated with each stage of spheno-occipital synchondrosis (SOS) fusion in patients with cleft lip and palate compared to the noncleft group, using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images.

In this study, the degree of SOS fusion was assessed using a 4-stage scoring system on CBCT images of 190 individuals (92 patients with cleft lip and palate, 98 noncleft individuals). A χ2 test was performed to assess the correlation between age and fusion stage. The independent sample t tests were used to evaluate the differences in the mean values of the samples of each group and each sex, as well as the mean value of each stage (P < .05).

The results showed that there was no significant difference in the timing of the SOS fusion stages between the patients with cleft palate and the noncleft group. Although the fusion process of SOS begins about one year earlier in females, the complete ossification occurs at the mean age of 18.5 for both sexes in the experimental group and the mean age of 19.0 in the noncleft group.

The present study found no differences in the fusion stages of the spheno-occipital synchondrosis between patients with cleft lip and palate and healthy individuals.

The Interchondral Joints of Thorax in Microtia Surgery: Classification and Fabrication Strategies

BACKGROUND

The interchondral joint between the sixth and seventh costal cartilages, called synchondrosis, assists in harvesting and fabricating the microtia framework. However, its looseness often complicates the microtia surgery. We aimed to classify the interchondral joints based on looseness and identify predictors for each subtype.

METHODS

Electronic chart and intraoperative photographs were reviewed for consecutive microtia patients who underwent costal cartilage graft for ear reconstruction from June 2001 to February 2020. The sixth and seventh costal interchondral joint was classified in the ascending order of looseness-direct cartilaginous fusion (class I), synovial joint (class II), and loose tissue (class III)-with a minor modification from the cadaveric study of Dr. Briscoe in 1925. χ2 Tests compared the incidence of each subtype in terms of patient variables including age, sex, chest laterality, and radiologic chest deformity. Multivariate logistic regression was used for identifying independent predictors for each subtype.

RESULTS

Seven hundred thirty-three graft specimens were enrolled (mean age 12.1 years). Class I joint was seen in 137 (18.7%) grafts, class II in 544 (74.2%), and class III in 52 (7.1%). Female predilection was found for cartilaginous fusion (class I) (adjusted odds ratio, 1.691; P = 0.007). The incidence of loose joint (class III) was comparable, ranging from 4.6% to 12.5%, in terms of all the patient variables.

CONCLUSIONS

Loose interchondral joints were not uncommon in microtia surgery. Patient variables were less likely to predict this anatomical variation, necessitating some knowledge of managing the framework instability. Female patients were more likely to enable easy fabrication with directly fused costal cartilages.