Lambdoid synostosis: surgical considerations

Abstract

Premature closure of the lambdoid suture may result in abnormalities in skull shape not only in the parieto-occipital region, but also in the frontal region and at the vertex of the skull. Although most of these abnormalities are mild, some constitute significant abnormalities in shape and therefore require specific surgical correction. In this report, we describe our approach from five patients we have treated and followed for 6 to 24 months with abnormalities characteristic of unilateral and bilateral lambdoid synostosis. We describe our approach to the simultaneous correction of frontal, occipital, and abnormal vertical height skeletal abnormalities in one operative procedure. To date, no negative neurologic sequelae have resulted from this operative approach, but significant improvement in skull form has been appreciated.