CRANIOSTENOSIS

Abstract

Thirty-four cases of craniostenosis are presented. Of the 19 cases of sagittal stenosis, 14 were unoperated. Four of these patients were retarded. This retardation was not believed to be caused by the craniostenosis. Of the five operated patients, three were seen at follow-up, and one was retarded. There was no difference in cosmetic results between the operated and unoperated cases. In the four cases of coronal stenosis there was no detectable difference in mental or cosmetic results between the operated and unoperated cases. In the combined stenosis group of 11 cases, four persons developed papilledema. There was no difference in mental or cosmetic results between those operated on before one year of age and those operated on when symptoms became evident. There is evidence to suggest that in sagittal and coronal stenosis growth of the brain is not restricted by closure of the suture. It would thus seem that there is little need for prophylactic operations but that instead operations should be performed only for papilledema or very severe deformity.