Objective: Posterior vault remodeling by distraction osteogenesis is a relatively new technique used for initial correction of turribrachycephaly in children with bicoronal craniosynostosis. We present a new potential complication from this procedure; a case of pan-suture synostosis subsequent to posterior vault distraction.
Methods: We report an infant girl who presented with bicoronal synostosis in the setting of Saethre-Chotzen syndrome. She underwent posterior vault distraction and was distracted a total of 34 millimeters, with successful osteogenesis at the site.
Results: One year postoperatively, the patient was found to have incidental, asymptomatic pan-suture synostosis on computed tomography.
Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of delayed craniosynostosis after posterior vault distraction in the literature. The possible pathogenesis and significance of this case are discussed with a review of the current literature.
Keywords: Saethre-Chotzen syndrome; delayed craniosynostosis; distraction osteogenesis; posterior vault distraction; secondary craniosynostosis.