Spring-assisted correction of sagittal suture synostosis.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to describe the technique and advantages and limitations of spring-assisted cranioplasty for sagittal suture synostosis.

METHODS

Preliminary data are presented of the first 41 patients treated with this technique at our institution.

RESULTS

The cephalic index was 75 after surgery and dropped to 74 one year after surgery. Mean blood loss of both procedures combined was 54 ml.

CONCLUSION

Spring-assisted cranioplasty requires only two small incisions and is at least as effective as other techniques with respect to the cephalic index. Blood loss, operative time, and complication rate are reduced. The most important disadvantage is the need to remove the springs in a second intervention. A second drawback is that the expansion of the spring is not controllable after placement. This can be partially intercepted by adjusting the spring (or the craniotomy) to the patient's specific features.