| Craniosynostosis |
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Craniosynostosis is the premature closure of one or more sutures in the infant’s skull. The treatment of craniosynostosis has changed significantly over the last several decades. Initially the treatment involved removing the affected suture(s). The simple removal of affected suture(s) was replaced by more extensive reconstruction of the craniofacial skeleton. More recently a new Microscopic Approach to craniosynostosis has been pioneered for treatment of infants. In older children and those who have multiple suture synostosis, extensive reconstruction of the craniofacial skeleton is utilized. This involves an incision in the scalp from ear to ear. The affected suture is removed and the surrounding bones placed in the correct position utilizing small absorbable plates and screws. Surgery usually lasts for 2-4 hours and the child is usually hospitalized from 3-5 days. Most of patients require a blood transfusion and have significant post-operative swelling. In selected patients who have craniosynostosis of the sagittal and/or coronal sutures, helmet therapy is needed after surgery. In children who are less than 3-months of age, a new microscopic approach is employed. This involves smaller incisions in the scalp and removal of the affected suture's) through an Endoscopic approach. Surgery usually last 1-2 hours, and the child is hospitalized for only 1-2 days. Most patients do not require a blood transfusion and have minimal swelling post-operatively. All patients require helmet therapy after surgery. |
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