[Lack of ossification of the skull after surgery for craniosynostosis. A study of risk factors apropos of 592 cases]

Ann Chir Plast Esthet. 1996 Feb;41(1):45-57.
[Article in French]

Abstract

The Center for Craniofacial Anomalies of Necker-Enfants-Malades Hospital presents a retrospective study of the outcome of 592 patients who were operated for craniosynostosis between 1976 and 1991. The quality of ossification one year after operation is reported with a focus on influencing factors. The lack of ossification rate is 5% (30/592). Three parameters are identified as increasing the risk of poor osseous wound healing: local postoperative infection, forehead advancement especially when accomplished with resorbable osteosynthesis, and brachycephaly. On the contrary, repaired tears of the dura mater do not seem to pose a risk. Seventy five per cent of patients with local infection and 12.4% of forehead advancement presented a lack of ossification which is statistically significant (p < 0.001). Lack of ossification can compromise aesthetic and functional results. Decreasing postoperative infection and stable fixation may help to avoid it.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Child, Preschool
  • Craniosynostoses / surgery*
  • Dura Mater / injuries
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Postoperative Complications*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • Surgical Wound Infection
  • Treatment Failure