Comparison of the Results of Suture and Resorbable Plate-Screw Fixation in Craniosynostosis

Background Although many fixation methods are used alone or in combination for craniosynostosis, only few studies have compared the effectiveness and long-term results of these methods. Method In this study, patients in whom suture or resorbable plate-screw system was used for fixation were evaluated in terms of postoperative results and complications. The data of patients who underwent surgery for craniosynostosis between 2002 and 2019 were retrospectively reviewed and evaluated. Results A total of 70 patients, 41 in the suture group and 29 in the resorbable plate-screw group, were included in the study. Whitaker classification was used for head shape evaluation, and anthropometric head circumference measurements were performed in all patients in the preoperative and postoperative periods. In the postoperative period, all patients were compared in terms of the operation time, transfusion requirement, discharge, follow-up period, and complications according to the chosen fixation method. The mean age, postoperative complication rates, anthropometric head circumference measurements, and Whitaker scores of both groups were found to be statistically similar. Although the resorbable plate-screw group had a longer follow-up period, the operation time was longer in the suture group. Furthermore, the suture group had lower transfusion requirement and earlier discharge from the hospital than the resorbable plate-screw group. Conclusions If fixation with suture is chosen in suitable patients, in addition to the low patient cost, this method can be safely applied in centers with limited logistical possibilities, because of the results and complication rates being similar to fixation with resorbable plate-screws.