Van Tıp Dergisi (Apr 2018)
Craniosynostosis: Treatment and analysis of 15 consecutive cases
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Craniosynostosis is cranial deformity resulting from the premature fusing of one or more sutures in the skull, and is associated with neurological disorders.The goal of the present study is to share analysis of craniosynostosis surgeries performed at Yuzuncu Yil University Department of Neurosurgery(in Van,Turkey),diagnostic methods,and our experiences of surgical treatments. METHODS: The medical records of 17 infant patients diagnosed with craniosynostosis who underwent surgery between 2013 -2017 at Yuzuncu Yil University Department of Neurosurgery were examined with respect to age, sex, findings, type of craniosynostosis, type of surgical procedure performed, and complications. RESULTS: Twelve of the patients were male and4 were female, with a mean age of5.9 months (range: 2-10months).All patients showed evidenceof cranial deformity.Thirteen patients exhibited symptoms such as restlessness, insomnia, and head banging.The rate of directed graph diagnosis was 70%,and 100% of the sutures were clearly visible by 3-dimensional computerized tomography.Of the patients, 9 were diagnosed with isolated trigonocephaly,3 with scaphocephaly,3 with isolated plagiocephaly,1with plagiocephaly plus trigonocephaly and 1 with posterior plagiocephaly.All patients underwent surgical treatment.Postoperative pneumonia occurred in 1 patient, while 2 patients developed postoperative surgical wound infections.The affected patients were treated for these complications. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Craniosynostosis is a rare disease that occurs during the neonatal period.If not treated surgically during the first months of life,the resulting abnormal skull shape may negatively affect the psychological and social development of childrenDeformity of the skull and premature closure of the fontanelles should suggest a diagnosis of craniosynostosis.Three-dimensional computerized tomography is the current gold standard for diagnosis,and the primary treatment is surgery.
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