Results and limits of posterior cranial vault expansion by osteotomy and internal distractors.

Background: Expanding the posterior cranial vault has become a common procedure in the treatment of complex craniosynostosis. Several techniques are available to remodel the posterior vault. Aim of this study was to analyze the posterior vault distraction osteogenesis.

Methods: Between 2011 and 2014, 21 children (12 boys) were operated on for a posterior distraction of the cranial vault. The mean age was 8.6 months (minimum, 3 months; maximum, 15 years). Thirteen patients presented a craniofacial syndrome. Five had already been operated on (two anterior cranial surgery, two suboccipital decompression, and one craniotomy for sagittal synostosis). Raised intracranial pressure (ICP) was present in 6 patients. Seven patients had symptomatic cerebellar tonsils herniation (TH).

Results: In 17 children, 2 lateral distractors were placed, in 3 a 3rd medial distractor was placed, and in 1 child 4 distractors were implanted. Volumetric analysis based on computed tomography showed a mean increase of volume of 13.9% 117 days later. After the distraction, symptoms related to raised ICP or TH were improved in all patients, however, radiologically TH was improved at the last follow-up in 54% of the cases.

Conclusion: Posterior cranial vault distraction is an efficacious technique to enlarge the posterior skull vault and treat increased ICP. Moreover, it appears to be efficacious in treating TH-related symptoms.