Craniosynostosis: Posterior Cranial Vault Remodeling

Abstract

Posterior cranial vault distraction osteogenesis is a powerful, reliable, low-morbidity method to achieve intracranial expansion. It is particularly useful in treating turribrachycephaly seen in syndromic craniosynostosis, allowing for gradual expansion of the bone while stretching the soft tissues over several weeks allowing greater volumetric expansion than conventional techniques. Posterior cranial vault distraction osteogenesis constitutes a more gradual remodeling modality, with infrequent complications. As a first step in intracranial expansion, it preserves the frontal cranium for future frontofacial procedures. A drawback is the need for a second surgery to remove the device, and this must be taken into account during counseling.

Keywords: Cranial vault remodeling; Craniofacial distraction osteogenesis; Intracranial expansion; Nonsyndromic craniosynostosis; Posterior cranial vault distraction osteogenesis; Syndromic craniosynostosis.