Occipital remolding for correction of scaphocephaly in the young infant. Technical note.

BACKGROUND: Several surgical techniques have been described for correction of scaphocephaly. Recent advances in the field of craniofacial surgery have allowed more extensive operative procedures for the treatment of cranial vault anomalies. In general the aim of surgical treatment is to prevent early refusion of the parietal bones after the sagittal craniectomy associated with the widening of the biparietal diameter. In children older than 6 months these procedures may result unsatisfactory providing only a partial correction of the malformation. Therefore operative techniques of total cranial vault reshaping are reported in the literature.
METHODS: We performed a surgical procedure of biparietal widening and occipital remolding in eight 3 month old infants with a marked deformation of the occipital prominence from sagittal synostosis.
RESULTS: This technique has provided excellent cosmetic results with an immediate correction of the parieto-occipital malformation. There have not been intraoperative complications and the postoperative course was uneventful.
CONCLUSIONS: The occipital remolding is useful in young infants with a marked skull deformity; this technique will produce immediate restoration of an esthetically pleasing cranial shape and a more satisfactory cosmetic result compared to less extensive procedures.