Distraction osteogenesis for the treatment of craniosynostosis

Using experience obtained in the distraction of the mandible and maxilla, we employed distraction osteogenesis in the cranial region because it offers many advantages over conventional methods. We used distraction osteogenesis to treat three patients with synostotic plagiocephaly, three with brachycephaly and one with scaphocephaly. The age at surgery ranged from seven months to seventeen months. Operating time and intraoperative blood loss were reduced in comparison with conventional methods. No relapse was observed in any of the patients during follow up periods ranging from four months to three years. This method is simple and minimally invasive, and can be safely employed for the treatment of a mild degree of craniosynostosis with good results.