Classification system for sagittal craniosynostosis

Abstract

Scaphocephaly is an important but incompletely defined entity resulting from premature fusion of the sagittal suture. Our goal was to use the clarity afforded by three-dimensional computed tomographies (CTs) to discern what characteristics of this disease are most representative and singular. Furthermore, we sought to define a classification system wherein the dominant physical trait, as it results from varied sites of premature fusion, determines the type of scaphocephaly in a particular patient. All patients with CT-diagnosed isolated single-suture sagittal craniosynostosis seen by a single craniofacial surgeon and a single pediatric neurosurgeon over a 5-year period are included (N = 76). Patients were stratified into anterior, central, posterior, or complex subtypes dependent upon the presence of a single dominant characteristic as seen on CT scan. Anterior type features a transverse retrocoronal band; central type has a heaped sagittal ridge; posterior type has an especially prominent occiput; and complex type includes those patients in whom a single dominant feature is not present. Forty-eight patients fit into anterior, central, or posterior types. Thirteen percent (N = 7) lack a single dominant feature and are complex. Incidence and prevalence for each type in this population are the following: anterior, 13/24%; central, 16/29%; posterior, 19/35%; and complex, 7/13%. Heterogeneous points of initial fusion may be responsible for the differing representations. Clinical applications using this classification system are ongoing and may allow us to individualize surgical intervention to optimize clinical outcome.