Distraction osteogenesis with pivot plate in the treatment of scaphocephaly

In scaphocephaly, traditional distraction osteogenesis increases only the bitemporal width. We describe distraction osteogenesis with a pivot plate for scaphocephaly, which not only increases the bitemporal width but also decreases the anteroposterior length. Three patients with scaphocephaly were treated using distraction osteogenesis with a pivot plate between January 2005 and June 2006. These children underwent cranial reshaping by gradual distraction using an external distraction device and pivot plate. The distraction rate was 1 mm/d, and the latency period was 5 days. The follow-up period after distraction osteogenesis ranged from 16 to 24 months. No specific complications, such as accidental removal of the distraction devices, infection, or neurologic problems in any patient, occurred. The mean distraction was 45 mm. The mean cranial index was 73.6. Distraction osteogenesis for scaphocephaly is still in the development stage, but it is becoming accepted as a useful method because of its many advantages. Distraction osteogenesis with a pivot plate for scaphocephaly is better than other distraction osteogenesis techniques because it induces increased bitemporal width and decreased anteroposterior length synchronously.