A Novel Technique Using W-Shaped Steel Wire Suspension System to Improve the Stability of Rigid External Distraction Devise in a Child With Apert Syndrome.

Rigid external distraction device (RED) is an efficient and reliable technique for syndromic craniosynostosis patient's postoperative midface distraction. But the instability of the RED is still a major complication. In this case, the authors reported a novel and simple method to solve the RED movement after Le Fort III osteotomy by using W-shaped steel wire suspension system in a child with Apert syndrome whose bilateral temporal bone is extremely thin. The system resisted the rotational force produced by traction force and effectively restricted the RED rotation down, improving the stability of the RED. The authors think this technique has the advantages of being cheap, easy to accomplish and comfortable to wear. Although may cause extra trauma, it is an available technique to improve the postoperative stability of RED especially for patients with thin temporal bones.