Craniofacial behavior of sutures in young rabbits postimmobilization

Although sutures have been identified as being important growth sites of the craniofacial complex, some points are still debated. The aim of our work was to analyze coronal suture response after immobilization in 24 New Zealand White rabbits. This immobilization was induced by an adhesive that bridged the coronal suture under investigation. Contrary to the reports of several authors, our procedure did not promote craniostenosis. The sutural space remains present even if it appears considerably reduced. Our cytometric examination clearly demonstrates that growth reduction localized on the external cortex of the calvaria whereas the internal cortex have a subnormal evolution. These findings favor a different evolving profile of both tables of the calvaria. They also suggest that one should be very careful before considering this procedure, as it may induce craniostenosis.