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Craniofacial asymmetries in shunt-treated hydrocephalic children
P M Pirttiniemi1, J A Huggare, T J Kantomaa
1Department of Oral Development and Orthodontics, University of Oulu, Finland.
Insights
Craniofacial asymmetry in children with hydrocephalus is linked to shunt placement. The study found significant asymmetry, particularly in the jaw and midface, influenced by the shunt
Area of Science:
- Craniofacial morphology
- Pediatric neurosurgery
- Developmental abnormalities
Background:
- Hydrocephalus is a condition characterized by excess cerebrospinal fluid in the brain.
- Shunt placement is a common treatment for hydrocephalus in children.
- Craniofacial development can be influenced by various medical conditions and treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the degree and direction of craniofacial asymmetry in shunt-treated hydrocephalic children.
- To determine if the laterality of the shunt device correlates with the pattern of asymmetry.
- To compare craniofacial morphology in hydrocephalic children with a healthy control group.
Main Methods:
- Cephalometric analysis using linear and angular measurements.
- Study sample included 26 children (aged 5-18) with hydrocephalus treated with shunts.
- Comparison with an age- and sex-matched control group of healthy individuals.
Main Results:
- Significant craniofacial asymmetry was observed in children with hydrocephalus.
- The direction of asymmetry was associated with the side of shunt placement (right vs. left).
- Maxillary and mandibular regions exhibited the most pronounced asymmetric changes, suggesting adaptive responses.
Conclusions:
- Shunt treatment for hydrocephalus in children is associated with craniofacial asymmetry.
- The position of the regulating shunt influences the direction and pattern of this asymmetry.
- Maxillary and mandibular adaptations may play a role in the observed craniofacial changes.
Abstract:
The degree and direction of craniofacial asymmetry in the frontal plane was studied in a sample of 26 shunt-treated hydrocephalic children aged 5 to 18 years. Thirteen of the children had the regulating shunt fixed on the right side of the head and 13 on the left. The shunt had usually been inserted during the first years of life. An age- and sex-matched group of healthy school children and students served as controls for cephalometric assessment by means of linear and angular measurements. Considerable craniofacial asymmetry was found in the shunt-treated hydrocephalic children, the direction of asymmetry being related to the laterality of the regulating shunt device. The most marked asymmetric changes were recorded in the maxillary and mandibular regions, probably due to the adaptive nature of these regions.