Endoscopic Strip Craniectomy and Helmet Therapy for Sagittal Craniosynostosis: An Analysis of Cranial Growth Changes in the Early Postoperative Period

Abstract

Objective

The purpose of this study is to analyze cranial width and length growth curves in the early postoperative period of patients by undergoing endoscopic sagittal strip craniectomy (ESC) to determine the timing of the maximal growth curve change. By analyzing the complex interplay of cephalic length and width measurements, we hope to better understand the cephalic index (CI) growth curve during this early period. This is the first of a multistep process to elucidate the ideal cranial remolding orthosis (CRO) treatment duration.

Design

Retrospective review.

Setting

Tertiary academic institution.

Patients

Children with isolated sagittal craniosynostosis.

Interventions

ESC and postoperative CRO treatment (2015-2019).

Main Outcome Measures

One cranial orthotist obtained preoperative and postoperative measurements. The maximal rate of change of width, length, and CI were compared against the postoperative week these occurred.

Results

Thirteen children (mean age: 3.3 months, average preoperative CI: 73.4) underwent this intervention. CI reached its highest growth rate by 4.9 average weeks postoperatively, which correlated with the maximal width growth rate (5.2 weeks). Length curves reached their maximal growth rate by 15.5 weeks. CI peaked (81.3) by 22.7 weeks postoperatively, a significant increase from baseline.

Conclusions

Following ESC, in the early postoperative period, the CI growth curve has 4 phases: initial rapid expansion, early and late slowed expansion, and plateau, followed by possible regression phases. This highlights the importance of early postoperative CRO initiation, CRO compliance, and properly fitting CROs, especially in the first 2 phases. This data sets the stage for investigating the ideal treatment length.