Simple and safe head positioning device for repair of craniosynostosis with the patient prone

Abstract

m a roper positioning of the head is key in the operative corection of craniosynostosis. If the patient is prone it provides n overview of the skull and allows access from the supraorital margin to the external occipital protuberance. Because f the generous view provided by this position, the placeent and shaping of the bony fragments can be ideal, which eads to excellent aesthetic results. However, only a few of he available positioning devices are acceptable. In this paper we describe a simple and economical ethacrylate holder covered with a gel mat (Action Fracure Table Hip Pad; Allenspach Medical AG, Balsthal, witzerland) taped onto the operating table to place young atients prone for the surgical correction of craniosynostosis. The diagnosis, management, and treatment of craniosynstosis can be complex, and an interdisciplinary approach is ssential.1 Powiertowski et al.2 first described subtotal cranoplasty, and several more extensive procedures have been escribed subsequently.3,4 Surgical treatment can be achieved safely by keeping the atient prone.5 The use of a vacuum-stiffened beanbag was escribed for this in 1989,5 but since then, no new, more perorated device has been described. In this paper we describe he use of a methacrylate holder to allow safe and simple xation of the skull during repair of craniosynostosis. A dental technician constructed the positioning device, hich is composed of polymerised methacrylate, after taking