Room 2 (Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center)
Sunday, November 3, 2002
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Room 2 (Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center)
Monday, November 4, 2002
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Room 2 (Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center)
Tuesday, November 5, 2002
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Room 2 (Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center)
Wednesday, November 6, 2002
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

270

P61 - The Venetian Blind Technique: A Modification to the Pi Technique for Scaphocephaly Repair

Melinda L. Lacerna, MD, Andrew Wexler, and Mark Urata.

Scaphocephaly, the most common type of craniosynostosis, occurrs in 1 of every 1000 births. Numerous methods of repair have been reported, from strip craniectomies to more complex methods of calvarial vault remodeling. While good cosmesis and restoration of a normal antero-posterior (AP) diameter can be achieved with these methods, a smooth, rounded contour of the biparietal areas is more challenging. We describe a modification of the pi technique (Jane et al,1976) which results in a more favorable contour of the biparietal areas. We performed cranial vault remodeling for the correction of scaphocephaly from 1997-2001. A pi craniectomy was performed to produce antero-posterior (AP) foreshortening. Bilateral temporal bones were cut into three horizontal strips, then sutured together in Venetian blind fashion to achieve a smooth contour. Fifteen patients (ages 2 months-2.5 years,mean7 months; 14 boys, 1 girl) underwent the procedure. All patients (except one with Pierre-Robin syndrome)were non-syndromic, without other comorbidities. All patients were full-term, except one ex-36 weeker. Mean weight was 7 kg. (5.5 kg-15 kg) at the time of operation. Mean surgical time was 110 minutes (90-125 minutes) with an average EBL of 130 cc (100-180 cc). Average AP skull foreshortening was 2 cm (1-2.5 cm). There were no complications. Average time to discharge was 3 days (2-5 days), with follow-up one week to 6 months post-operatively. Results were judged subjectively by the surgeon and the craniofacial team based on the correction of the scaphocephaly, the achievement of a smooth and rounded bi-parietal contour, and parent satisfaction. Fourteen out of fifteen patients achieved excellent cosmesis. One patient had retained scaphocephaly and the family declined reoperation. Conclusion:The Venetian blind technique provides excellent cosmesis for the correction of scaphocephaly, achieving a smoother contour to the biparietal areas, without additional operative time or complications.