Minimally Invasive, spring-assisted correction of sagittal suture synostosis. Technique, outcome and complications in 83 cases.

Background: This series describes the results of minimally invasive strip craniotomy with additional spring distraction. Methods: Included are the first 83 consecutive patients who underwent this procedure (Jan 1, 2010-Jan 1, 2014). Outcome parameters were collected prospectively and included surgical parameters and complications, the occurrence of papilledema, skull growth, cephalic index and photographic scores Results: Duration of surgery was 63 min: 19% required blood transfusion and complications were minor. Postoperative papilledema occurred in two patients (2.4 %). Head growth increased after insertion of the springs and declined afterwards to 0.7 SD, comparable to earlier cohorts in our center. Cephalic index increased from 67 before surgery to 74 post-surgery and showed a small decrease during the 4-year follow-up. Photographic scores confirmed the initial improvement and showed a trend to further improvement during follow-up. Conclusions: In this cohort, spring-assisted, minimally invasive strip craniotomy was safe and effective. Results were similar to those from other techniques, but with smaller incisions, shorter interventions, reduced blood loss, and a lower incidence of postoperative papilledema. (C)2017American Society of Plastic Surgeons