Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 23, 2026
Laminectomy for the Removal of Thoracic Ossification of the Ligamentum Flavum (TOLF) Using Ultrasonic and Conventional Osteotomes
Published on: April 21, 2023
Treatment of unilateral lambdoid synostosis with cranial distraction
Yuzo Komuro1, Akira Yanai, Ayato Hayashi
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery , Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan. komuro@med.juntendo.ac.jp
Insights
Unilateral lambdoid synostosis, a rare craniosynostosis, causes skull deformities. Surgical correction using distraction osteogenesis and barrel stave osteotomy effectively improved cranial shape in an infant patient.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Pediatric Plastic Surgery
- Craniofacial Surgery
Background:
- Posterior plagiocephaly diagnosis and treatment remain controversial.
- Unilateral lambdoid synostosis is a rare craniosynostosis causing ipsilateral occipital flattening.
- Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management.
Observation:
- An 8-month-old infant presented with right occipital flattening, mastoid bulge, and frontal prominence.
- Facial examination revealed anteroinferior displacement of the right auricle.
- Skull radiography and 3D CT confirmed premature fusion of the right lambdoid suture.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with unilateral lambdoid synostosis.
- Surgical intervention involved distraction osteogenesis and barrel stave osteotomy.
- Post-operative assessment at 1 year showed significant improvement in cranial symmetry.
Implications:
- This case highlights the successful surgical management of a rare craniosynostosis.
- Distraction osteogenesis combined with barrel stave osteotomy is an effective treatment.
- Improved surgical outcomes can enhance quality of life for affected children.
Abstract:
The accurate diagnosis and treatment of posterior plagiocephaly have been a source of controversy. The unilateral lambdoid synostosis that is characterized by flattening of ipsilateral occipital bone is a rare type of craniosynostosis. An 8-month-old infant with unilateral lambdoid synostosis is reported. The patient exhibited right occipital flattening, mastoid bulge, and right frontal bone prominence, with the right auricle displaced anteroinferiorly on gross examination. A Towne projection radiograph of the skull and three-dimensional computed tomography scans revealed that the right lambdoid suture was prematurely fused. Correction of the cranial shape was performed using distraction osteogenesis combined with a barrel stave osteotomy. Significant improvement in the skull was observed 1 year after surgery.
