Modified prone position for cranial remodeling procedures in children with craniofacial dysmorphism: a technical note

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Pediatric Craniofacial Surgery
• Surgical Positioning

Background:

• Cranial deformities in children often necessitate complex surgical interventions.
• Conventional surgical positions may limit access to the entire calvarium.
• Multi-stage procedures increase operative time and patient risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a new head position for pediatric cranial surgery.
• To facilitate complete exposure of the calvarium in young children.
• To enable one-stage radical cranial remodeling procedures.

Main Methods:

• A modified prone position with neck hyperextension was developed.
• This technique allows visualization from supraorbital ridges to the foramen magnum.
• The position was safely utilized in radical cranial remodeling surgeries.

Main Results:

• The new head position provides comprehensive exposure of the entire calvarium.
• One-stage radical cranial remodeling was successfully performed.
• The procedure was safely executed in pediatric patients.

Conclusions:

• This modified prone head position is safe and effective for pediatric cranial surgery.
• It allows for one-stage radical cranial remodeling, improving surgical efficiency.
• This technique offers significant advantages over conventional methods for treating cranial deformities.