Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 20, 2026
Midface Hypoplasia and Cranial Base Morphology in Syndromic Craniosynostosis: A Comparative Analysis Study Using a Predictive Regression Model
Published on: November 4, 2025
[The correction of fronto-orbital deformity in infant craniosynostosis--a one year experience]
Li Teng1, Anthony D Holmes, Andrew A Heggie
1Plastic Surgery Hospital of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100041, China.
Insights
Fronto-orbital advancement effectively corrects fronto-orbital deformation in infants with craniosynostosis. This surgical technique provides satisfactory aesthetic and functional outcomes, improving forehead and orbital shape.
Area of Science:
- Craniofacial surgery
- Pediatric plastic surgery
- Neurosurgery
Context:
- Craniosynostosis is a premature fusion of cranial sutures, leading to abnormal head shape and potential developmental issues.
- Fronto-orbital deformation is a common characteristic of craniosynostosis, affecting the forehead and eye sockets.
- Early surgical intervention is crucial for optimal outcomes in managing craniosynostosis.
Purpose:
- To assess the efficacy of fronto-orbital advancement in correcting fronto-orbital deformities in infants with craniosynostosis.
- To analyze the surgical technique and timing for optimal correction.
- To evaluate the safety and aesthetic results of the procedure.
Summary:
- Eleven infants (2 female, 9 male; 6-9 months old) with various forms of craniosynostosis underwent bilateral fronto-orbital osteotomies and advancement.
- The study included patients with trigonocephaly, plagiocephaly, turricephaly, and syndromic craniosynostosis (Apert, Saethre-Chotzen syndromes).
- Follow-up ranged from 2-11 months, demonstrating marked improvement in forehead, orbital, and temporal contours with minimal complications.
Impact:
- Fronto-orbital advancement is a safe and effective surgical method for correcting frontal and orbital retrusion in craniosynostosis.
- The procedure significantly improves the aesthetic appearance of the craniofacial region.
- This surgical approach offers satisfactory results, enhancing the quality of life for affected children.
Objective:
To evaluate the correction of fronto-orbital deformation in infant craniosynostosis and to discuss the timing of treatment and surgical technique.
Methods:
Eleven consecutive patients with craniosynostoses underwent bilateral fronto-orbital osteotomies and advancement via coronal approaches. There were two females and 9 males with an age range from 6 to 9 months. Among the patients, six had trigonocephaly secondary to metopic synostosis, two had non-syndromic plagiocephaly secondary to unilateral coronal synostosis, one had turricephaly secondary to multi-sutural synostosis and two patients had brachycephaly due to syndromic synostosis (Apert syndrome and Saethre-Chotzen syndrome).
Results:
The shape of forehead, bilateral orbit and bilateral temples in all patients markedly improved with 2-11 months follow-up. There were not obvious complications except that the unilateral parietal bossing happened to the child with turricephaly postoperatively.
Conclusions:
Satisfactory results show that fronto-orbital advancement is safe and effective way to correct frontal and orbital retrusion secondary to craniosynostosis.
