Secondary Synostosis After Spring-Mediated Cranioplasty for Sagittal Synostosis

Abstract

Objective

To evaluate the incidence and characteristics of secondary synostosis following spring-mediated cranioplasty (SMC) for nonsyndromic sagittal craniosynostosis.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Single tertiary pediatric hospital.

Patients/Participants

Ten patients with isolated sagittal craniosynostosis who underwent primary SMC between 2021 and 2023. Patients with syndromic diagnoses or prior cranial surgery were excluded.

Interventions

SMC was performed using 2 to 3 stainless-steel springs following sagittal strip craniectomy. Springs were typically removed 3 to 4 months postoperatively. Follow-up included review of clinical photographs, radiographs, and operative records.

Main Outcome Measures

Change in cephalic index (CI) from preoperative to postoperative assessment and occurrence of secondary suture fusion, particularly coronal synostosis.

Results

Mean age at surgery was 4 months (range, 3-6 months). Mean CI improved from 68.5 to 79 following expansion. Three patients (30%) developed left unicoronal synostosis (UCS) during the perioperative period prior to spring removal. One patient required secondary coronal suturectomy for significant frontal asymmetry, while 2 were observed without intervention.

Conclusions

Secondary synostosis, particularly UCS, may represent an underrecognized sequela of SMC. Altered biomechanical forces or asymmetric cranial remodeling during distraction may contribute to this finding. Larger, multicenter studies with longitudinal imaging are warranted to determine incidence, risk factors, and preventive strategies.