Concurrent Craniosynostosis and Positional Plagiocephaly: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Background:

Craniosynostosis and positional plagiocephaly (PP) both lead to deformities of the infant skull. In some cases, patients may present with concurrent craniosynostosis and PP. The forces exerted on the skull by both conditions can complicate and delay correct diagnosis and require adjustments to surgical planning.

Objective:

The purpose of this scoping review was to identify and analyze the existing peer-reviewed literature covering the diagnosis and treatment of concurrent craniosynostosis and PP.

Design:

In accordance with PRISMA guidelines, PubMed, MEDLINE, and EMBASE were searched for articles discussing concurrent diagnoses of craniosynostosis and PP.

Results:

Out of 633 articles discovered, 7 met inclusion criteria and discussed a cumulative total of 10 patients. The average age of referral to a craniofacial team was 17 ± 22.2 months. The most common reason for referral was craniofacial asymmetry (90%, n = 9). 40% presented with unilateral coronal synostosis (n = 4), 40% with lambdoid synostosis (n = 4), 10% with sagittal synostosis (n = 1), and 10% with metopic synostosis (n = 1). The most commonly reported clinical features were occipital flattening (90%, n = 9), ear displacement (80%, n = 8), and frontal bossing (30%, n = 3). Delayed or incorrect initial diagnosis was noted in 70% (n = 7) of patients. CT scan was the most commonly employed diagnostic tool, utilized in 100% of patients. 70% of patients (n = 7) underwent surgery at an average age of 6.75 ± 3 months. Two studies, accounting for 2 patients reported, noted altering their surgical technique to account for PP in addition to the synostotic suture.

Conclusions:

Coincident craniosynostosis and PP can pose a complicated diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. An in-depth understanding of the most reliable physical exam findings associated with each type of craniosynostosis combined with PP will facilitate accurate diagnosis. Consideration of the concurrent forces on the skull created by craniosynostosis and PP aid in the design of a tailored surgical plan.