Evolution of surgery for sagittal synostosis: the role of new technologies

Techniques for sagittal synostosis correction continue to evolve to improve outcomes and minimize morbidity. The techniques now used by our craniofacial service are spring-assisted cranioplasty for younger children (generally up to 9 months of age) and biparietal barrel staving with cross-struts using bioabsorbable plates for older children. We evaluate the evolution of, and rationale for, our current methods of treatment.

All patients who underwent surgery for craniosynostosis over the period 1982 to 2007 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with sagittal synostosis were analyzed according to the type of operative procedure performed. Blood loss, operative time, and hospital stay were compared between techniques using analysis of variance.

Seventy-one patients had a cranial vault remodeling procedure for craniosynostosis. Thirty-four patients had sagittal synostosis with scaphocephaly. During the period 1982 to 2000, 13 patients had a strip craniectomy, and 5 patients had a barrel stave and morcellation procedure. Since 2001, the cross-strut technique using bioabsorbable plates has been used in 7 patients. In 2005, the spring cranioplasty technique was introduced and has been used in 9 patients. There were no deaths and no serious complications. One patient treated with springs had a second spring procedure performed to further increase biparietal width. Spring-assisted cranioplasty had a significantly shorter operating time than other techniques (P < 0.01).

The availability of both absorbable plates and expansile cranial springs has revolutionized the techniques our unit uses for scaphocephaly correction. Our early experience with these techniques has shown that the techniques are reliable and give good cranial shape and form with minimal treatment morbidity.