Postoperative Cranial Vault Growth in Premature Sagittal Craniosynostosis

Abstract

Various techniques for the correction of sagittal craniosynostosis have been described in the literature. Nevertheless, there is a lack of consensus regarding surgical procedure and timing, although a long-term anthropometric analysis may shed light on this controversy. The aim of the current study was to collect serial anthropometric data of children before and after total cranial vault remodeling and to evaluate cranial vault growth pattern. Twenty-nine Swiss children with a surgical age between 8 and 10 months were included in this 5-year follow-up. Anthropologic data of sex- and age-matched healthy Swiss children served as a control. A standardized time protocol (before, after, 6 wk after surgery, 6 mo after surgery, and then annually until the age of six) for anthropometric skull measurements (head circumference, cranial length, breadth, and cephalic index) was used. Data were converted into the z score for standardized intercenter comparison. Postoperatively, all patients showed a marked benefit in cranial vault shape. Significant differences in long-term cranial growth pattern could be seen and a relapse into a dolichocephal skull growth. Both observations were rated as clinically irrelevant.