Craniosynostosis Treatment Using Distraction Devices.

BACKGROUND

The authors report on surgical treatment for 20 patients with craniosynostosis in Japan in collaboration with neurosurgery department since 2007. They could safely expand the skull using distraction devices.

METHODS

Total number of patients with craniosynostosis joint surgery was 20 (23 surgeries) at the time of this report. All patients were referred from the neurosurgery department. Neurosurgeons decided the patient selection and the surgical indications, and performed osteotomy, intraoperative measurement of intracranial pressure, and perioperative management. The plastic and reconstructive surgeons set in bone models and simulate bone cutting line preoperatively, and performed skin incisions with flap, set bone distractors or bone absorption plate fitted with flap closure during surgery. Postoperative systemic management was undertaken in the neurosurgery intensive care unit. In the plastic and reconstructive surgery department, postoperative wound care and bone lengthening, and removal of the bone distractors were done.

RESULTS

All patients showed good bone forms, and there were no patients of serious complications such as meningitis.

CONCLUSION

With these roles shared, safe surgery and perioperative management could be performed. Use of the craniosynostosis distraction devices is safe and excellent way, and the authors will continue to explore that direction further.