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. 2015 Jan;135(1):233-237.
doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000000830.

Armadillo cranioplasty for expansion and remodeling in craniosynostosis

Stephen R Sullivan  1 , Helena O Taylor
Affiliations

Armadillo cranioplasty for expansion and remodeling in craniosynostosis

Stephen R Sullivan et al. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2015 Jan.

Abstract

Craniosynostosis is typically treated in the first year of life, when osteogenic potential is high and residual obligate skull defects heal. Delayed reconstruction can result in persistent skull defects because of diminished osteogenic potential. Adequately expanding the cranium yet minimizing residual skull defects in older patients presents a conundrum. Although secondary cranioplasty can be performed, primary cortical bone coverage is preferred. The authors present a technique of cranial expansion by sliding stairstep osteotomies, thus preventing residual skull defects when treating craniosynostosis at an advanced age.

Clinical question/level of evidence: Therapeutic, IV.

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