Current approaches to management of nonsyndromic craniosynostosis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Surgical alternatives to traditional cranial vault remodeling for the treatment of craniosynostosis are being discussed in recent plastic and neurosurgical literature. This review highlights recent developments and discusses the risks as well as benefits of each.

RECENT FINDINGS: Surgical treatment of craniosynostosis has evolved from simple suturectomy, to extensive cranial vault remodeling, and now back to the minimally invasive. Options today include endoscopic suturectomies, spring-mediated cranioplasties, and distraction osteogenesis as well as cranial vault remodeling. There are disagreements among centers on the most optimal timing and best operative procedure.

SUMMARY: Clinicians should be aware that different surgical treatments are rapidly being developed for nonsyndromic craniosynostosis.