Postoperative Cephalic Index Research Articles

Automated surgical planning in spring-assisted sagittal craniosynostosis correction using finite element analysis and machine learning.

Sagittal synostosis is a condition caused by the fused sagittal suture and results in a narrowed skull in infants. Spring-assisted cranioplasty is a correction technique used to expand skulls with sagittal craniosynostosis by placing compressed springs on the skull before six months of age. Proposed methods for surgical planning in spring-assisted sagittal craniosynostosis correction provide information only about the skull anatomy or require iterative finite element simulations. Therefore, the selection of surgical parameters such as spring dimensions and osteotomy sizes may remain unclear and spring-assisted cranioplasty may yield sub-optimal surgical results. The aim of this study is to develop the architectural structure of an automated tool to predict post-operative surgical outcomes in sagittal craniosynostosis correction with spring-assisted cranioplasty using machine learning and finite element analyses. Six different machine learning algorithms were tested using a finite element model which simulated a combination of various mechanical and geometric properties of the calvarium, osteotomy sizes, spring characteristics, and spring implantation positions. Also, a statistical shape model representing an average sagittal craniosynostosis calvarium in 5-month-old patients was used to assess the machine learning algorithms. XGBoost algorithm predicted post-operative cephalic index in spring-assisted sagittal craniosynostosis correction with high accuracy. Finite element simulations confirmed the prediction of the XGBoost algorithm. The presented architectural structure can be used to develop a tool to predict the post-operative cephalic index in spring-assisted cranioplasty in patients with sagittal craniosynostosis can be used to automate surgical planning and improve post-operative surgical outcomes in spring-assisted cranioplasty.

Is Postoperative Helmet Molding Therapy Necessary for Craniectomy for Sagittal Suture Synostosis?

Endoscopic strip craniectomy followed by postoperative remodeling helmet therapy for scaphocephaly is widely accepted, but the requirement of several helmets might burden patients or their families. This study examined whether craniectomy via a bicoronal approach without molding helmet therapy is worth considering. The authors retrospectively reviewed patients with nonsyndromic sagittal suture synostosis who underwent the modified Renier H technique between 2016 and 2021. We collected data on preoperative and postoperative cephalic index (CI), operative time, estimated blood loss, and blood transfusion rates. The authors also examined all related literature in English describing endoscopic craniectomy with postoperative helmet molding therapy for sagittal suture craniosynostosis. Among 17 patients, the average operative time was 92.2±15.6 minutes, the mean estimated blood loss was 35.8±22.4mL, and a blood transfusion was needed for 9 patients (52.9%). The mean preoperative and postoperative CIs were 69.1±2.6 and 78.4±2.2, respectively. A comparison of the literature review with the authors' results showed that their procedures required a slightly longer operative time and a higher frequency of blood transfusions. There are no significant differences in blood loss or preoperative and postoperative CIs reported in the literature. The open procedure required a higher operative time than endoscopic suturectomy. However, dealing with bleeding is more challenging with endoscopic suturectomy. The cost of the helmets and the duration patients have to wear them, which might be burdensome for the patients or their families when determining the optimal minimally invasive treatment, should also be considered.

Head Shape After Sagittal Craniosynostosis Surgery: Open Versus Endoscopic Strip Craniectomy

Purpose: Nonsyndromic sagittal craniosynostosis is treated surgically to improve skull cosmesis and to decrease the risk of raised intracranial pressure. The purpose of this study is to compare the outcomes of two current surgical techniques for craniosynostosis treatment, open and endoscopic strip craniectomy. Methods: A single institution retrospective chart review was conducted of patients with nonsyndromic sagittal craniosynostosis treated surgically from 2011 to 2016. Patients were divided into two groups based on surgical technique: open or endoscopic strip craniectomy. The head shape was assessed using pre- and postoperative cephalic index (CI). Complications and operative details were compared. Mean absolute CI over time and 95% confidence intervals were graphed. Results: A total of 51 children (36 male, 15 female; 13 open, 38 endoscopic) were included with an average length of follow-up of 27.2 months (range 4-60). The median age at surgery was 4.0 months for open and 3.0 months for endoscopic. There was no significant difference in preoperative CI between endoscopic and open groups (0.67 vs 0.66). The largest improvements in CI were seen 3 to 6 months postoperatively. There was a significant improvement in postoperative CI for both groups (endoscopic 0.75, P = .02; open = 0.74, P < .01). From maximal postoperative CI to >2 year follow up there was no significant regression in CI for the endoscopic group ( P = .12) and a small regression for the open group (−0.02, P = .01). There were no transfusions, brain injuries, or deaths. Patients in the endoscopic group had significantly less blood loss intraoperatively ( P = .01) and a significantly shorter duration of hospital stay compared to the open group ( P < .001). Conclusions: Endoscopic and open surgical techniques are both effective treatments for nonsyndromic sagittal synostosis, with no difference in initial postoperative CI. These findings support the use of either technique and corroborate previous literature.

Endoscopic-assisted calvarial vault remodeling without postoperative helmets for treating infants with sagittal synostosis

Objective: Various endoscopically assisted minimally invasive surgical procedures have been described for the management of isolated nonsyndromic sagittal synostosis. All these techniques necessitate the use of postoperative helmets without immediate correction of the head shape. Here, we document the safety and sustainable acceptable outcomes of an endoscopic minimally invasive approach with full barrel staving without using a postoperative cranial helmet. Methods: A single-institution cohort analysis was performed on five patients who underwent endoscopically assisted minimally invasive calvarial vault remodeling without using a postoperative helmet for isolated nonsyndromic sagittal synostosis between 2017 and 2022. Variables analyzed were age at the time of surgery, gender, Estimated Blood Loss (EBL), operative time, postoperative complications, and pre-and postoperative Cephalic Index (CI). Results: Three male and two female infants were treated at our hospital in 2017–2022 with a mean follow-up of 32.6 months. At the time of the surgery, the mean age was ±3.5 months (range 10–58 months), the mean weight was 4.54 kg (standard deviation, SD ± 1.56), the mean EBL was 34.6 ml (range 20 ml – 54 ml) and mean surgical time from skin incision to dressing application was 120.7 min. The mean CI for all patients was 66.88 ± 4 (SD) preoperatively vs. 81.52 ± 2.38 (SD) postoperatively (p < 0.001 by paired Student’s t - test). There were no deaths or intraoperative complications. Conclusions: We present a novel endoscopically assisted minimally invasive procedure without using a postoperative helmet. This was a safe and efficacious procedure for isolated sagittal craniosynostosis, with improvements in CI at a mean follow-up of 32.6 months.

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

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. 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. 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. 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.

Minimally invasive endoscopically assisted remodelation (MEAR) of sagittal craniosynostosis: an alternative technique to open and endoscopic procedures with cranial orthosis time span reduction.

Sagittal craniosynostosis represents the most frequent simplex skull suture pathology. There are currently several operative approaches to this defect. Minimally invasive techniques are preferred for young infants. Since July 2017, we have employed endoscopically assisted craniectomies followed by cranial orthosis. Gradually, we have developed our modified technique, the minimally invasive endoscopically assisted remodelation (MEAR). MEAR is a combination of principles gained from classical cranial vault remodeling techniques and minimal invasive approaches. The long and wider lateral osteoectomies performed in the parietal and occipital bones along with loosening of the periosteum and dura adhesions at the lambdoid sutures lead to early correction of parieto-occipital dimensions. Thirty-one consecutive patients with scaphocephaly underwent MEAR. The median preoperative cephalic index of 67 units (P25:63.3, P75:70) was improved to a median postoperative cephalic index of 77units (P25:75, P75: 81). Sufficient correction was achieved in all patients. Cranial orthosis was needed for a median of 1.5months (P25:1, P75:2). We had no major surgical complications in this pilot series. With MEAR, we have achieved good cosmetic results. Duration of cranial orthosis was significantly shortened compared to conventional endoscopic-assisted procedures.

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.

Long-Term Outcomes of Spring-Assisted Surgery for Sagittal Craniosynostosis.

Spring-assisted surgery is an accepted alternative to cranial vault remodeling for treatment of sagittal craniosynostosis. The long-term safety and efficacy profiles of spring-assisted surgery have not been established. This study is a retrospective examination of all patients treated with spring-assisted surgery (n = 175) or cranial vault remodeling (n = 50) for sagittal craniosynostosis at the authors' institution from 2003 to 2017. Data collected included demographic and operative parameters, preoperative and postoperative Cephalic Indices, and complications. Whitaker grades were assigned blindly by a craniofacial surgeon not involved in patients' care. The mean age at surgery was significantly lower for the spring-assisted surgery group compared with the cranial vault remodeling group (4.6 months versus 22.2 months; p < 0.001). Even when combining spring placement with spring removal operations, total surgical time (71.1 minutes versus 173.5 minutes), blood loss (25.0 ml versus 111.2 ml), and hospital stays (41.5 hours versus 90.0 hours) were significantly lower for the spring-assisted surgery cohort versus the cranial vault remodeling group (p < 0.001 for all). There were no differences in infection, reoperation rate, or headaches between the groups. The percentage improvement in Cephalic Index was not significantly different at 1 (p = 0.13), 2 (p = 0.99), and 6 (p = 0.86) years postoperatively. At 12 years postoperatively, the spring-assisted surgery group had persistently improved Cephalic Index (75.7 preoperatively versus 70.7 preoperatively). Those undergoing spring-assisted surgery had significantly better Whitaker scores, indicating less need for revision surgery, compared with the cranial vault remodeling group (p = 0.006). Compared with the authors' cranial vault remodeling technique, spring-assisted surgery requires less operating room time and is associated with less blood loss, but it has equivalent long-term Cephalic Indices and subjectively better shape outcomes. Therapeutic, III.

S4A-12 SESSION 4A: GENERALITIES IN CRANIOSYNOSTOSIS – PART I THE EFFICACY OF OUR NOVEL SUTURECTOMY TECHNIQUE WITH ABSORBABLE PLATES IN EARLY SURGERY FOR CRANIOSYNOSTOSIS

Introduction: Surgical procedures for craniosynostosis patients with severe intracranial hypertension include suturectomy, cranial distraction and conventional cranial reconstruction. Suturectomy has been performed in children younger than 3 months of age with insufficient bone strength. Conventional suturectomy is generally ineffective, because bone formation occurs rapidly in the grooves, resulting in recurrent elevation of intracranial pressure and severe deformity. Therefore, the surgical effects should be extended by preventing bone formation during the early postoperative period to correct the severe deformity and subsequently achieve sufficient bone formation and strength. This study examined the efficacy of our newly developed suturectomy technique using an absorbable plate. We present our novel method and the postoperative follow-up. Methods: Our new method was indicated for craniosynostosis cases younger than 3 months of age who had severe intracranial hypertension, scaphocephaly, or plagiocephaly between 2011 and 2018. All patients underwent suturectomy. Suture lines that indicate premature fusion were incised at a width of approximately 7–10 mm to insert the absorbable plates. The bone stumps on both sides of the grooves were covered with absorbable sheet-type plates. Evaluation was conducted primarily with three-dimensional computed tomography and clinical photographs, and the preoperative and postoperative cephalic index were analyzed. Results: Twenty-three patients who underwent surgery were evaluated. The cranial shape was brachycephaly in five, scaphocephaly in four, oxycephaly in five, clover-leaf deformity in three, and plagiocephaly in four. There were eleven syndromic (1 Crouzon, 4 Apert, 3 Pfeiffer and 3 Saethre-Chotzen syndromes) and twelve non-syndromic patients. The patients’ mean age at the time of surgery was 43.5 days (12 to 76), and the mean follow-up period was 44.2 months (7 months to 7 years). The postoperative cephalic index improved in all patients. Secondary surgery was not required in five of eleven syndromic and in all non-syndromic patients. There were no major complications. Conclusion: Placement of an absorbable plate during strip craniectomy can prevent bone formation during the early postoperative period and promote bone formation after plate absorption. Even in patients who underwent distraction osteogenesis, the planning of the procedure was relatively easy because improvement in cranial shape had been achieved. In particular, some syndromic craniosynostosis patients were able to avoid additional surgery. Also, good outcomes were obtained without adjunctive therapy, such as helmet therapy. The present approach is less invasive and expected to be highly effective.

A New Technique for Sagittal Synostosis: A Plurality of Small Incisions Minimally Invasive Technique Used on Infants and Young Patients.

The authors devised a multiple small incisions minimally invasive technique for use in isolated nonsyndromic sagittal synostosis to achieve better esthetic effect and satisfactory reshaping of the calvarial vault. The purpose of this study is to provide clinicians with new and feasible solution. From April 2016 to January 2017, 5 male patients were successfully treated with minimally invasive surgery. The age ranges from 1.5 to 3.3 years. The authors designed 9 short skin linear incisions (2-3 cm long) strategically to disperse in the scalp. The patient was assessed in a series including sex, age of surgery, blood loss, blood transfusion, duration of surgery, postoperative complications, preoperative and postoperative cephalic index (CI), length of stay (LOS), esthetic outcomes, and intellectual developmental quotient (DQ). The shortest operation time is 1.5 hours. The shortest hospital stay is 6 days. The blood loss ranged from 135 to 280 mL. No serious complications occurred during the follow-up time. Postoperative 3-dimensional CT scan showed that the extensive floating bone formed well. Preoperative CI ranged from 64.2 to 68 and postoperatively 69.4 to 74.3. Mental development was tested by children heath care practioners, significantly improving DQ from 67 to 81 preoperatively and 76 to 90 postoperatively. All children receive good esthetic results. The new technique is safe and effective. The advantages are satisfactory: calvarial fornix remodeling, less visible appearance of scars, shorter length of surgery, lower mental and financial stress, optimal age for surgery, no endoscopic adjuvant and postoperative helmet are needed.

Operative Management of Non-Syndromic Sagittal Craniosynostosis

BACKGROUND: The treatment of sagittal craniosynostosis is currently evolving. Total vault remodeling (CVR) has been effective for correcting shape and expanding intracranial volume. However, treatment paradigms have shifted, emphasizing less-invasive procedures, including spring-mediated cranioplasty and strip suturectomy. This study aimed to compare outcomes for CVR, spring-mediated cranioplasty, and strip suturectomy via systematic meta-analysis. METHODS: A literature search was conducted identifying all articles involving operative management of non-syndromic sagittal craniosynostosis. Comparison of 2 operative techniques was required for inclusion, and methodological quality was assessed via ASPS Levels of Evidence scale. Three techniques were considered: CVR, strip suturectomy, and spring-mediated cranioplasty. Meta-analysis was conducted for change in cephalic index (CI), reported as weighted mean difference (WMD). Pooled subgroup comparisons were performed for operative time, length of stay, blood loss, and total cost. RESULTS: 13 studies were included, all providing level 3 evidence. All studies involved CVR (n=187), 8 involved strip suturectomy (n=299), and 7 involved spring-mediated cranioplasty (n=158) (Figure 1).Figure 1: Figure 1.Average age for CVR was 8.4 months, compared to 4 months for suturectomy and 5 months for spring-cranioplasty; all groups were male-predominant. Head-to-head comparison of change in CI demonstrated a greater, yet statistically insignificant change for CVR versus spring cranioplasty, WMD=0.94 [-0.23-2.11] (p=0.12, I2=55%) (Figure 2).Figure 2: Figure 2.In contrast, CVR showed a statistically greater change in CI versus strip suturectomy, WMD=1.47 [0.47-2.48] (p=0.004, I2=66%). Post-operative cephalic index was correlated with follow-up for each technique, demonstrating that as follow-up increased, CI increased in the strip and spring cranioplasty groups and decreased in CVR groups. Subgroup analysis showed longer operative time for CVR versus suturectomy/spring-cranioplasty (170.2 vs 97.2 min), higher blood loss (237.7 vs 47.3 mL), longer length of stay (5.13 vs 2.96 days), and higher total costs ($35,280 vs $13,147), all with p values<0.0001. CONCLUSIONS: This study, the first meta-analysis comparing 3 primary operations for correcting sagittal craniosynostosis, demonstrates no difference in CI for CVR versus spring cranioplasty and a small but statistically greater improvement in CI favoring CVR to strip suturectomy. Longer follow-up time was associated with decreasing CI for the CVR group and increasing CI for less invasive modalities, and secondary outcomes favored the less invasive procedures. While definitive conclusions cannot be made, it appears that less invasive procedures are as efficacious as CVR but offer more favorable safety profiles.

Outcome Analysis of Morcellation Craniotomy with Distraction Osteogenesis for Scaphocephaly

Background: Techniques for sagittal synostosis correction continue to evolve, thus resulting in improved outcomes and minimized morbidity. Spring-assisted cranioplasty and strip craniotomy with postoperative helmet usage are simple minimally invasive surgeries. However, these procedures are only useful in younger patients (generally up to 9 months of age); older children usually undergo total cranial remodeling, which is more stressful. We have developed a procedure combining morcellation craniotomy with distraction osteogenesis (MoD), which we have been performing since 2000. Here, we describe and evaluate this method of treatment. Methods: Seven patients who underwent MoD for isolated sagittal synostosis were followed for 10 years postoperatively. The control group consisted of 7 patients who had undergone total cranial remodeling in the period immediately preceding the MoD operations. Cephalography, clinical examinations, medical record data and medical photographs were used to evaluate and compare the 2 groups. Results: In comparison with total cranial remodeling, the MoD procedure resulted in a significantly shorter mean operation time and a significantly lower mean blood transfusion volume. The postoperative cephalic index was not significantly different between the MoD (75.8 ± 0.9) and the control groups (75.6 ± 1.4), and satisfactory cranial shape volumes were achieved without serious complications. Conclusion: The MoD procedure is a safe, effective and reliable technique for dynamic total skull remodeling with minimal morbidity. It can be used to improve upon previous surgical concepts for treating scaphocephaly, particularly in older patients.

Endoscopic-Assisted Management of Sagittal Synostosis

INTRODUCTION: Endoscopic-assisted technique for the treatment of craniosynostosis is gaining in popularity. The benefits in regards to operating room time, blood transfusion rates, hospital stay and reduced cost of treatment have been reported with equivalent improvement in cephalic index compared to open calvarial vault reconstruction.1–3 This study investigates two methods for endoscopic-assisted correction of sagittal synostosis: wide vertex suturectomy and barrel stave osteotomies versus narrow vertex suturectomy. METHODS: The authors prospectively observed patients with nonsyndromic sagittal synostosis treated with the endoscopic-assisted technique and molding helmet therapy. Wide vertex suturectomy (5cm) and barrel stave osteotomies was used exclusively between 2006 and 2010. Narrow vertex suturectomy (2.5 cm) was used between 2011 and 2012. All patients received 3 dimensional photographs for standardized assessment of head shape preoperatively and at subsequent postoperative evaluations. Patients were also measured by direct caliper measures to determine cranial index. The data collected included age at operation, blood loss, postoperative hemoglobin, transfusion rates, operating room times, and cephalic index. RESULTS: Twenty patients (10 wide vertex and barrel stave osteotomies (WV+BSO) and 10 narrow vertex (NV)) with isolated sagittal synostosis were treated by the endoscopic-assisted technique and moulding helmet therapy. Mean age at operation and follow-up time was 3.8 and 10 months for NV and 3.6 and 13 months for WV+BSO. Mean operating room time was 66 minutes for the NV group and 88 minutes for the WV+BSO group. The mean blood loss was 29ml for NV with 0% (0 of 10 patients) transfusion rate versus 49 ml and 0% (0 of 10 patients) transfusion rate for WV+BSO. Postoperative hemoglobin was 8.4g/dL and 7.3g/dL for the NV and WV+BSO groups. The pre- and postoperative cephalic index for the NV technique was 69% and 79% versus 72% and 80% for WV+BSO. CONCLUSION: Narrow-vertex suturectomy and moulding helmet therapy is effective in the treatment of sagittal synostosis. Avoiding additional barrel stave osteotomies can decrease operating room time and risk of transfusion.

Nonendoscopic, minimally invasive calvarial vault remodeling without postoperative helmeting for sagittal synostosis

Multiple surgical procedures have been described for the management of isolated nonsyndromic sagittal synostosis. Minimally invasive techniques have been recently emphasized, but these techniques necessitate the use of an endoscope and postoperative helmeting. The authors assert that a safe and effective, more "minimalistic" approach is possible, avoiding the use of endoscopic visualization and routine postoperative application of a cranial orthosis. A single-institution cohort analysis was performed on 18 cases involving infants treated for isolated nonsyndromic sagittal synostosis between 2008 and 2010 using a nonendoscopic, minimally invasive calvarial vault remodeling (CVR) procedure without postoperative helmeting. The surgical technique is described. Variables analyzed were: age at time of surgery, sex, estimated blood loss (EBL), operative time, intraoperative complications, postoperative complications, length of stay, pre- and postoperative cephalic index (CI), clinical impressions, and results of a 5-question nonstandardized questionnaire administered to patient caregivers regarding outcome. Eleven male and 7 female infants (mean age 2.3 months) were included in the study. The mean duration of follow-up was 16.4 months (range 6-38 months). The mean procedural time was 111 minutes (range 44-161 minutes). The mean length of stay was 2.3 days (range 2-3 days). The mean EBL in all 18 patients was 101.4 ml (range 30-475 ml). One patient had significant bone bleeding resulting in an EBL of 475 ml. Excluding this patient, the mean EBL was 79.4 ml (range 30-150 ml). There were no deaths or intraoperative complications; one patient had a superficial wound infection. The mean CI was 69 preoperatively versus 79 postoperatively, a statistically significant difference (p < 0.0001). Two patients were offered helmeting for suboptimal surgical outcome; one family declined and the single helmeted patient showed improvement at 2 months. No patient has undergone further surgery for correction of primary deformity, secondary deformities, or bony irregularities. Complete questionnaire data were available for 14 (78%) of the 18 patients; 86% of the respondents were pleased with the cosmetic outcome, 92% were happy to have avoided helmeting, 72% were doubtful that helmeting would have provided more significant correction, and 86% were doubtful that further surgery would be necessary. Small, palpable, aesthetically insignificant skull irregularities were reported by family members in 6 cases (43%). The authors present a nonendoscopic, minimally invasive CVR procedure without postoperative helmeting. Their small series demonstrates this to be a safe and efficacious procedure for isolated nonsyndromic sagittal synostosis, with improvements in CI at a mean follow-up of 16.1 months, commensurate with other techniques, and with overall high family satisfaction. Use of a CVR cranial orthosis in a delayed fashion can be effective for the infrequent patient in whom this approach results in suboptimal correction.

Endoscopically assisted versus open repair of sagittal craniosynostosis: the St. Louis Children's Hospital experience

Object This study investigated the differences in effectiveness and morbidity between endoscopically assisted wide-vertex strip craniectomy with barrel-stave osteotomies and postoperative helmet therapy versus open calvarial vault reconstruction without helmet therapy for sagittal craniosynostosis. Methods Between 2003 and 2010, the authors prospectively observed 89 children less than 12 months old who were surgically treated for a diagnosis of isolated sagittal synostosis. The endoscopic procedure was offered starting in 2006. The data associated with length of stay, blood loss, transfusion rates, operating times, and cephalic indices were reviewed. Results There were 47 endoscopically treated patients with a mean age at surgery of 3.6 months and 42 patients with open-vault reconstruction whose mean age at surgery was 6.8 months. The mean follow-up time was 13 months for endoscopic versus 25 months for open procedures. The mean operating time for the endoscopic procedure was 88 minutes, versus 179 minutes for the open surgery. The mean blood loss was 29 ml for endoscopic versus 218 ml for open procedures. Three endoscopically treated cases (6.4%) underwent transfusion, whereas all patients with open procedures underwent transfusion, with a mean of 1.6 transfusions per patient. The mean length of stay was 1.2 days for endoscopic and 3.9 days for open procedures. Of endoscopically treated patients completing helmet therapy, the mean duration for helmet therapy was 8.7 months. The mean pre- and postoperative cephalic indices for endoscopic procedures were 68% and 76% at 13 months postoperatively, versus 68% and 77% at 25 months postoperatively for open surgery. Conclusions Endoscopically assisted strip craniectomy offers a safe and effective treatment for sagittal craniosynostosis that is comparable in outcome to calvarial vault reconstruction, with no increase in morbidity and a shorter length of stay.

Comparison of Spring-Mediated Cranioplasty to Minimally Invasive Strip Craniectomy and Barrel Staving for Early Treatment of Sagittal Craniosynostosis

The treatment of sagittal craniosynostosis has evolved from early strip craniectomy to total cranial vault remodeling and now back to attempts at minimally invasive correction. To optimize outcomes while minimizing morbidity, we currently use 2 methods of reconstruction in patients younger than 9 months: spring-mediated cranioplasty (SMC) and minimally invasive strip craniectomy with parietal barrel staving (SCPB). The purpose of this study was to compare the safety and efficacy of the 2 methods. Hospital records of our first 7 SMCs and our last 7 SCPBs were analyzed for demographics, the type of operation performed, estimated blood loss, transfusion requirements, operative time, length of stay in the intensive care unit, length of hospital stay, preoperative cephalic index, postoperative cephalic index, and complications. The techniques were then compared using analysis of variance.All 14 patients successfully underwent cranial vault remodeling with significant improvement in cephalic index. Demographics, length of stay in the intensive care unit (P = 0.15), preoperative cephalic index (P = 0.86), and postoperative cephalic index (P = 0.64) were similar between SMC and SCPB. Spring-mediated cranioplasty had statistically significantly shorter operative time (P = 0.002), less estimated blood loss (P < 0.001), and shorter length of hospital stay (P = 0.009) as compared with SCPB. Complications included 1 spring dislodgment in an SMC that did not require additional management and 1 undercorrection in the SCPB group. Both SMC and SCPB are safe, effective means of treating sagittal craniosynostosis. Spring-mediated cranioplasty has become our predominant means of treatment of scaphocephaly in patients younger than 9 months because of its improved morbidity profile.

Immediate Spontaneous Shape Correction Using Expantile Zigzag Craniectomy in Infantile Scaphocephaly -Is There an Improvement in the Developmental Quotient Following Surgery?-

There is still debate over which method of the surgery is the most appropriate for the treatment of scaphocephalic infants. In addition, change in psychomotor development following these procedures is a very complex issue that has not yet been resolved. In this paper, the authors describe a surgical technique for immediate spontaneous shape correction of infantile scaphocephaly. There were significant differences between pre- and postoperative cephalic index. We also describe an improvement in the developmental quotient following surgery. Therefore, this expantile zigzag craniectomy should be recommended to correct for isolated sagittal craniosynostosis in infants.

Effectiveness of a limited invasive scalp approach in the correction of sagittal craniosynostosis

Several surgical techniques have been proposed for the correction of sagittal craniosynostosis. Extensive procedures seem to ensure the most stable long-term results and are more indicated in the older age group. Mini-invasive approaches are particularly useful in the very young infant as they are associated with a minor surgical risk. Furthermore, they are weighted by a minor cosmetic impact related to a less extended surgical scar. Data of the last 94 consecutively operated on scaphocephalic patients have been reviewed to verify the effectiveness of a personal limited-invasive approach based on four to six short linear scalp incisions vs the traditional bicoronal skin flap. The patients have been divided in two groups: (1) the control group (2000-2002): 45 children, operated on by means of a traditional bicoronal skin incision, and (2) the study group (2002-2004): 49 children, treated through four to six linear scalp incisions. The patients' variables were comparable. The results were evaluated in terms of duration of the surgical procedure, estimated blood loss (EBL), transfusion risk, postoperative complication rate, length of hospital stay, and postoperative cephalic index and cosmetic outcome as perceived by the patients' families. No significant differences between the two groups were found about the early and the long-term surgical results; however, about one third of the subjects of the control group complained about the visibility of the surgical scar. In the study group, a significant reduction in the duration of the operation (p < 0.0001), postoperative hospital stay (p < 0.0001), EBL (p = 0.011), transfusion risk (p = 0.018), and complication rate (p = 0.016) was observed. The current trend in the management of scaphocephaly is to favor simplified surgical procedures to be performed in the younger ages prevalently. The technique here presented allows achieving a stable long-term cranial reshaping, even when performed in the very young patient. The technique can be utilized also in older subjects with results comparable to those of more extensive surgical procedures. This less invasive technique is weighted by minor complication rates and minor impact of the surgical scar.

Sagittal synostosis: A review of 53 cases of sagittal suturectomy in one unit

The role of sagittal suturectomy in the treatment of scaphocephaly remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to report the experience of the National Craniofacial Unit in Dublin. This unit is the referral centre for the Republic of Ireland and serves a population of approximately 3.5 million. Quantitative assessments were made using radiographs and the pre- and postoperative cephalic index (CI) was calculated. Patients were asked to score their head shapes in a questionnaire. The mean age at surgery for the 53 children was 4.9 months with a mean follow up of 8 years. Pre- and postoperative radiographs were available for analysis in 24 patients. The mean preoperative CI was 65.3. There was a statistically significant increase in the CI postoperatively to 73.7. Seventy five per cent of children achieved a 'normal' CI and 86% scored their head shapes as good to excellent. There was no correlation between the age at surgery and the CI achieved. Although only one child was not happy with the shape of the head, the impression was that the CI correlated poorly with the clinical assessment of the head shape. There were no significant complications. We therefore conclude that the sagittal suturectomy is a safe procedure that has a limited but definite potential to improve the CI. This procedure still has a place in the surgical repertoire of the craniofacial surgeon dealing with scaphocephaly.