Minimally Invasive Craniosynostosis Surgery: A Game-Changer for Babies

Craniosynostosis is a condition that affects how a baby’s skull grows and the most telltale sign is an oddly shaped head. It happens in about 1 in every 2,000 babies.  Here is a breakdown of how craniosynostosis progresses:

• Normally, a baby’s skull has joints or hinges called sutures.  These sutures allow the skull to grow as the brain develops.
• But in craniosynostosis, one or more of these sutures fuses together too early.
• This can change the shape of the baby’s head and put pressure on the developing brain.
• If left untreated, craniosynostosis can affect a child’s appearance and overall development.

Your child’s pediatric neurosurgery team can often diagnose craniosynostosis by physical exam alone, however sometimes further testing is needed to confirm, most often an ultrasound. Diagnosis by a clinical expert is important because there are other conditions that can mimic craniosynostosis and cause a misshapen baby head.

Does craniosynostosis require surgery? 

Very mild cases may not require surgery. However, if your child does require treatment for craniosynostosis the surgery is done by a pediatric neurosurgeon 100% dedicated to kids. 

Thanks to new technology and techniques, there is another option for some children 6 months and younger with craniosynostosis. The brain and skull are incredibly adaptable before 6 months of age, so in many cases, a skilled pediatric neurosurgeon can fix the issue in less than an hour with this minimally invasive procedure.  


 

Here’s the catch: an early diagnosis is key, so if you are at all concerned or unsure about your baby’s head shape, ask your pediatrician for a referral to our pediatric neurosurgery team so they can rule out other conditions like plagiocephaly or “flat head” syndrome.

Once a child is older than 6 months, the usual solution is open surgery with a long incision across the skull, multiple hours of anesthesia, and up to a week in the hospital.

At Connecticut Children’s, we are one of the region’s only pediatric health systems that specialize in endoscopic strip craniectomy, a minimally invasive approach for craniosynostosis, for children who qualify.
 

What is endoscopic strip craniectomy for craniosynostosis?

Instead of a large incision, we make one or two small cuts and use a special lighted camera and tools to remove a strip of bone. Afterwards your child will be asked to wear a remolding helmet to maximize the benefits of the minimally invasive procedure and give the brain the room it needs to grow safely. The benefits of endoscopic strip craniectomy are:

• Smaller incisions – Less scarring and a more natural-looking result.
• Shorter hospital stay – Most babies go home the next day.
• Less blood loss – This lowers the need for a blood transfusion.
• Faster recovery – Babies heal quicker and get back to normal life sooner.

We understand that needing surgery can be a scary experience for kids and families, but Connecticut Children’s neurosurgery team is prepared to recommend the best surgical option for your child—even if it’s not this procedure.

>>Related: Beyond Craniosynostosis: Jack's Story
 

Connecticut Children’s is the only health system in Connecticut that offers minimally invasive surgery for craniosynostosis.

We believe in giving families the best options available, and our experience in this area is backed by research and academic work from our team of surgeons: Jonathan Martin, MD, Markus Bookland, MD, and David Hersh, MD. All of our surgeons have extensive experience in minimally invasive treatments for craniofacial disorders.

• Dr. Bookland coded an innovative computer program that can diagnose craniosynostosis using only pictures—a program that can help children everywhere.
• Our doctors are leaders in pediatric neurosurgery and craniofacial surgery, and we are dedicated to using the latest techniques to improve outcomes for children.
• Our team has published research and presented at national conferences about our success with minimally invasive craniosynostosis surgery.  This means that we are not only performing the procedure—we are also shaping the future of how it is done across the country. 

What to expect if your baby needs surgery for craniosynostosis:

If your pediatrician suspects your baby has craniosynostosis, the first step is meeting with our pediatric neurosurgery team. We will do a full evaluation, including imaging tests if needed, to confirm the diagnosis and see if your child is a good candidate for endoscopic strip craniectomy.

Here’s a brief rundown of what a treatment plan may look like:

• Consultation—Our team will explain the condition, treatment options, and what to expect.
• Surgery day—The procedure takes about an hour, and most babies only stay one night in the hospital.
• Helmet therapy—After surgery, your baby will need to wear a custom-fitted helmet for a few months. This helps shape the skull as it continues to grow.
• Follow-up care—Our team will check on your baby’s progress and make sure everything is healing properly for about 5 years after the procedure. For the first year, we’ll want to see your child once every few months, then after that, about once a year. We’ll connect your family with the right specialists, which may include a pediatric ophthalmologist, geneticist, and/or neurodevelopmental clinic for evaluation.  Our plastic surgery team is often included in your child’s care and follow-up to ensure your child achieves their best possible outcome. 

If your baby has been diagnosed with craniosynostosis, we are here to help. Contact Connecticut Children’s pediatric neurosurgery team to learn more about our minimally invasive approach and find out if it is the right choice for your child.