Latest trends in minimally invasive synostosis surgery: a review.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To present the current surgical options for minimally invasive surgery for treatment of craniosynostosis.

RECENT FINDINGS: Minimally invasive procedures are well tolerated treatment options for patients with craniosynostosis. Suturectomy and helmet therapy is a treatment option for scaphocephaly with minimal blood loss and length of hospital stay. Spring-mediated cranioplasty is, in addition, a well tolerated and effective treatment option for scaphocephaly.

SUMMARY: In patients with multiple suture craniosynostosis, surgical techniques that utilize spring-assisted surgery can provide decreased morbidity with better bone formation made available for a second operation. Continued basic science research and clinical studies will expand the use and provide further minimally invasive procedures to infants with craniosynostosis.