Comparison of behavioral outcomes following cranial vault remodeling versus strip craniectomy for non-syndromic sagittal craniosynostosis.

PURPOSE: While previous studies have investigated behavioral development after non-syndromic sagittal craniosynostosis (NSSC) repair, there is limited information available about the influence of surgical technique. This study examined behavioral differences among patients with NSSC following cranial vault remodeling (CVR) versus strip craniectomy (SC).

METHODS

Parents of patients ages 6-18 years old with NSSC repaired before 6 months via either CVR or SC completed four behavioral surveys: Conners Short 3rd Edition (ADHD), Social Responsiveness Scale 2nd edition (ASD), Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function 2nd Edition (executive functioning), and Child Behavior Checklist (emotional/behavioral regulation). Survey results were converted to t-scores based on a standardized population. Individual scale t-scores were compared between surgical techniques, as well as the number of patients with elevated scores (t-score ≥ 60). The distribution of t-score categories for each scale over the entire cohort was compared against the expected population distribution.

RESULTS

Forty patients were enrolled, with 21 CVR and 19 SC. Age at surgery (4.78 ± 0.94 months for CVR vs. 2.81 ± 0.84 months for SC, p < 0.001) was the only significant demographic difference. There were no significant differences between individual scale t-scores or the number of patients with elevated scores. However, the following scales had t-score distributions that were significantly elevated compared to the expected population distribution: inattention, hyperactivity, executive functioning, and peer relations.

CONCLUSION

When controlling for prompt surgical timing, CVR and SC demonstrated comparable behavioral risk profiles. However, providers should still regularly screen NSSC patients for behavioral problems.