Endoscopic-Assisted Fronto-Orbital Distraction Osteogenesis: Initial Patient Report.

[BACKGROUND] The purpose of this manuscript is to introduce a novel endoscopic-assisted approach for creation of osteotomies and distractor hardware placement for unicoronal craniosynostosis.

[METHODS] Only three small incisions are performed, one at the anterior fontanelle, pterional region, and upper lateral blepharoplasty location. Unicoronal strip craniectomy and osteotomies in temporal bone, nasofrontal junction, lateral orbital rim, sphenoid wing, orbital roof, and contralateral frontal bone are performed through these incisions with the assistance of a 30° 5-mm endoscope. One linear cranial distractor is inserted through the pterional incision and fixated across the unicoronal suturectomy.

[RESULTS] Endoscopic-assisted fronto-orbital distraction osteogenesis has been performed on 3 patients with unicoronal craniosynostosis. Median age at surgery was 5.4 months (95%CI 5.0-6.1). Median operative duration was 98 minutes (95%CI 91-112), and estimated blood loss was 25 mL (95%CI 15-150). Median length of distraction achieved was 25.7 mm (95%CI 21.9-28.0), based on lateral skull x-rays obtained on the last day of activation. Distractors were removed 2.3 months postoperatively (95%CI 2.1-3.1), and operative duration of distractor removal was 20 minutes (95%CI 19-29). There was 1 complication, a transient cerebrospinal fluid leak thought to have been caused by a pinpoint injury to the dura at the nasofrontal junction, which was managed expectantly and resolved spontaneously by the fourth postoperative day.

[CONCLUSIONS] Endoscopic-assisted fronto-orbital distraction osteogenesis is a promising treatment modality for children with unicoronal craniosynostosis combining the benefits of distraction osteogenesis with a minimally invasive approach. Additional experience and follow-up are needed to determine its utility, safety, and longevity.