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Updated: May 19, 2026
Minimally Invasive Thumb-sized Pterional Craniotomy for Surgical Clip Ligation of Unruptured Anterior Circulation Aneurysms
Published on: August 11, 2015
Bilateral endoscopic craniectomies in the treatment of an infant with Apert syndrome
David F Jimenez1, Constance M Barone
1Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Texas 78229, USA. jimenezd3@uthscsa.edu
Insights
A novel endoscopic technique corrected severe eye proptosis in an infant with Apert syndrome. This minimally invasive approach avoided traditional surgery, offering a potential alternative for managing this common complication.
Area of Science:
- Craniofacial Surgery
- Pediatric Neurosurgery
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Apert syndrome frequently causes ocular proptosis due to craniosynostosis and midfacial hypoplasia.
- Severe proptosis can lead to vision impairment and ocular damage.
- Traditional treatment involves bilateral orbital frontal advancement, a major surgical procedure.
Abstract:
Patients with Apert syndrome commonly present with ocular proptosis due to bilateral coronal craniosynostosis and midfacial hypoplasia. Severe proptosis can cause visual compromise and damage, which is most commonly treated with bilateral orbital frontal advancement. The authors present the case of a patient who was treated at 8 weeks of age with endoscope-assisted bilateral coronal craniectomies followed by treatment with a custom-made postoperative cranial orthosis. The patient underwent the procedure without any complications. Over the ensuing months, the patient's proptosis corrected, the forehead and orbital rims advanced without the need for an orbital frontal advancement and craniotomies. This approach may provide an alternative treatment modality for these patients.
