Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 19, 2026
A Postoperative Evaluation Guideline for Computer-Assisted Reconstruction of the Mandible
Published on: January 28, 2020
Surgical model to assess the effects and optimal timing of craniofacial fixation
C D Sims1, P E Butler, R Casanova
1Division of Plastic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA.
Insights
This study developed an in utero swine model for craniofacial research. The model demonstrated that coronal suture fusion in fetal piglets resulted in altered cranial vault height, offering insights into craniofacial development.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Craniofacial Surgery
- Animal Models
Background:
- Neonatal animal models are commonly used for craniofacial research.
- Evaluating rigid fixation techniques requires understanding long-term effects on growing craniums.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an in utero swine model for craniofacial deformity.
- To assess the effects of coronal suture fusion on fetal swine craniofacial development.
Main Methods:
- Seven fetal piglets underwent periosteal stripping and coronal suture fusion using cyanoacrylate adhesive at 75% gestation.
- Craniofacial deformity was assessed at 4 and 11 weeks postpartum.
Main Results:
- Piglets with coronal fusion exhibited nasal deviation and taller cranial vaults.
- The vertical cranial index increased significantly in the fusion group (0.34 vs. 0.27).
- No significant difference was observed in the horizontal cranial index.
Conclusions:
- The in utero swine model successfully induced craniofacial deformities.
- Coronal suture fusion leads to abnormal vertical cranial growth.
- This model offers a viable alternative for studying craniofacial development and surgical interventions.
Abstract:
An in utero swine model of craniofacial deformity was developed as a potential alternative to neonatal models currently used for evaluating the optimal timing and long-term effects of rigid fixation techniques on a growing cranium. At 75% gestation, seven fetal piglets were randomly selected to undergo periosteal stripping of frontal and parietal bone segments with and without extensive coronal suture fusion procedures with cyanoacrylate adhesive. Fetal swine were killed postpartum at 4 and 11 weeks after fusion to assess craniofacial deformity. Piglets undergoing coronal fusion had slight deviation of the nose-snout toward the side of fusion and taller cranial vaults. The vertical cranial index of the experimental fusion group was 0.34 in comparison to a vertical index of 0.27 for the controls, suggesting abnormal vertical height expansion. There was no difference in the horizontal cranial index of either control or experimental fusion groups. Neither sows nor piglets were lost to anesthetic complications, uterine sepsis, or preterm labor during the initial laparotomy or subsequent cesarean delivery.
