Purpose: Posterior calvarial distraction (PCD) is a safe and effective technique used to increase cranial vault volume and therefore reduce intracranial pressure in children with complex craniosynostosis. Optimal timing and method used for PCD is controversial. This procedure is usually performed in children younger than 2 years. Literature regarding calvarial distraction in older children is sparse and limited. We report our single-centre experience with PCD in children aged 6 and above to outline the applications, benefits and challenges of employing this technique in an older paediatric population.
Methods: A retrospective analysis of a database on craniofacial cases from 2006 to 2021 was performed. Patients undergoing PCD were identified and children aged 6 and above at the time of operation were included. Data on demographics and clinical outcomes were obtained from electronic records and relevant imaging was reviewed. All cases were reviewed prior to a decision for surgery by the multidisciplinary craniofacial team (composed of neurosurgery, maxillofacial and plastics teams) and underwent surgery in our paediatric craniofacial centre.
Results: Overall, 98 PCD cases were identified during the study period, of which 20 cases were identified as having undergone PCD at age 6 or above with mean age of 8.8 years (range 6-18). The most common indication was pansynostosis associated with raised intracranial pressure. Four cases had calvarial remodelling previously and represented with symptoms of raised intracranial pressure sometime after their initial surgery requiring PCD as rescue procedure. Average duration of inpatient stay was 5.85 days. The average duration of follow-up was 3.5 years (0.3 to 11 years). Mean distraction distance achieved was 22.5 mm (18-29 mm). Five patients experienced complications related to wound infection or distractor. Follow-up assessment in all patients demonstrated evidence of vault expansion and symptomatic improvement and resolution of intracranial pressure signs. Comparison with younger cohort did not reveal any difference in any parameters except lower rate of transfusion in the older cohort compared to young cohort (5% vs 38%).
Conclusion: Posterior calvarial distraction in older children is safe and effective for vault expansion and treatment of raised intracranial pressure in selected cases. A multidisciplinary craniofacial team approach is crucial for appropriate case selection and management in order to optimise outcomes.
Keywords: Craniofacial; Craniosynostosis; Pansynostosis; Posterior calvarial distraction; Raised intracranial pressure.
© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.