Endoscopic Strip Craniectomy for Treatment of Sagittal Craniosynostosis

Endoscopic strip craniectomy (ESC) with post-operative helmeting is the gold-standard treatment for isolated, non-syndromic sagittal craniosynostosis in children under 6 months of age as it is has been demonstrated to reduce perioperative morbidity when compared to more invasive procedures such as cranial vault remodeling. ESC is frequently performed with or without the use of lateral osteotomies with technical selection being largely based on surgeon preference. Previous studies have shown that there are no statistically significant differences in cranial expansion or complications between the two procedure variants; however, these studies are retrospective in nature and do not account for aesthetic outcomes. The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy of ESC with or without the use of lateral osteotomies in regard to cranial expansion and aesthetic outcomes for children treated with isolated, non-syndromic sagittal craniosynostosis. In addition, we seek to investigate if there are any observable changes in perioperative morbidity between the two procedures.

This prospective, randomized parallel study seeks to compare the efficacy of ESC with or without the use of lateral osteotomies in regard to cranial expansion and aesthetic outcomes for children treated with isolated, non-syndromic sagittal craniosynostosis. Both arms of the study will undergo standard care throughout their participation which includes preoperative & postoperative measurements of cephalic index using the STARscanner© (Orthomerica products Inc.), preoperative & postoperative photographs, post-operative helmeting, and standard post-operative visits. Additional research-related activities include chart review. Primary outcomes include degree of cranial expansion at 1 year post-operatively. Secondary outcomes include aesthetic appearance at 1 year post-operatively (using a 5-point Likert scale) and a multitude of intraoperative clinical variables including estimated blood loss, instances of transfusion, instances of dural tear, instances of 30-day readmission, and instances of needing further surgery.

We have two patient groups. Group 1: Endoscopic strip craniectomy with the use of lateral osteotomies. Group 2: Endoscopic strip craniectomy without the use of lateral osteotomies.

Participants and guardians of participants will not know which arm the participant is randomized to. Regarding care providers, only care providers performing the surgery will be privy to information regarding which arm the patient is randomized to.

Patients will have lateral osteotomies incorporated into their surgical procedure following suturectomy of the fused sagittal suture.

Patients will NOT have lateral osteotomies incorporated into their surgical procedure following suturectomy of the fused sagittal suture.

Endoscopic strip craniectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove pathologic bone of the calvarium that includes the fused suture. Lateral osteotomies, also known as barrel-stave osteotomies, are performed by some surgeons because of their perceived benefit in regard to cranial expansion. Following surgery, orthotic helmet therapy is performed in order to mold the calvarium with the goals of optimizing contour.

Endoscopic strip craniectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove pathologic bone of the calvarium that includes the fused suture. Lateral osteotomies, also known as barrel-stave osteotomies, are performed by some surgeons because of their perceived benefit in regard to cranial expansion. Following surgery, orthotic helmet therapy is performed in order to mold the calvarium with the goals of optimizing contour.

The cephalic index is the ratio of maximal head width and length. Patients enrolled in the trial will undergo pre-operative and post-operative measurement of their cephalic index using the STARscanner© (Orthomerica products Inc.). Patients will undergo measurement at recruitment and at 1 year of age.

The aesthetic appearance of the calvarium will be measured by participating surgeons using a 5-point Likert scale (1-5) with 1 being extremely satisfied with aesthetic outcome and 5 being extremely dissatisfied with aesthetic outcome. Surgeons that are aware of the participant's assignment are excluded from this portion of the study to minimize bias.

Whether or not a patient was readmitted to the hospital for complications related to their surgical procedure

Inclusion Criteria: All patients with isolated, non-syndromic sagittal craniosynostosis under 6 months of age who present to Texas Children's Hospital. Exclusion Criteria: Patients who are unable to undergo endoscopic strip craniectomy by 6 months of age.

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