Silicon membrane interpositioning for the prevention of skull deformity following experimental craniosynostosis.

The interposition of various materials to complete suturectomy for the treatment of craniosynostosis has been used by many surgeons to prevent early postoperative reunion. Convincing scientific proof of the value of this procedure is still required, however. In this study a previously described model of experimental craniosynostosis was employed to examine the effects of an interposed silicon membrane in preventing skull deformity. Eighteen newborn rabbits had their right coronal sutures resected and the skulls were examined for shape and histology up to 6 months of age. The interposing of a silicon membrane was found to prevent formation of skull deformity during growth.