title: Treatment of cranial synostosis: the directive growth approach.
abstract: Reconstruction for single sutural synostosis typically involves cranial reshaping to correct for compensatory growth changes. Current remodeling techniques involve obliteration of both pathologic and normal sutures. Presented here is a case report describing a new approach to the treatment of single cranial synostosis. The concept involves excision of the offending suture and transient plating of the remaining functional sutures. Compensatory sutures are then allowed to direct the growth forces to the area of the synostosis, leading to the reversal of the compensatory shape deformity. This more natural approach leaves functioning sutures intact and allows for their active participation in the reshaping process.
authors.affiliation: From the *Grand Rapids Medical Education Partners and Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan; and †Division of Pediatric Plastic Surgery, Helen DeVos Children's Hospital, Grand Rapids, Michigan.
authors.forename: Robert J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Mann
authors.forename: Michael E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Burton
mesh_terms: D020341:Absorbable Implants; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry; D001860:Bone Plates; D016025:Bone Transplantation / Q000379:methods; D003393:Cranial Sutures / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000601:surgery; D003398:Craniosynostoses / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005624:Frontal Bone / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000737:chemistry; D009295:Nasal Bone / Q000601:surgery; D009915:Orbit / Q000601:surgery; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000379:methods; D010294:Parietal Bone / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000601:surgery; D011100:Polyglycolic Acid / Q000737:chemistry; D000077182:Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D013100:Sphenoid Bone / Q000601:surgery; D015050:Zygoma / Q000601:surgery
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D000077182:Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer; D011100:Polyglycolic Acid; D019344:Lactic Acid