Novel digital measurement system for predicting surgical outcomes in patients with primary non-syndromic craniosynostosis

Abstract

Objective

With the aim of further optimizing the care of patients with primary non-syndromic craniosynostosis, we describe a novel and clinically feasible measurement method to predict postoperative outcomes and provide an analysis of quality of life.

Design

76 patients with primary non-syndromic craniosynostosis were treated by one surgeon. 47 healthy patients without craniosynostosis formed the control group. All patients had an age between 3 months and 18 years.

Based on manual measurement using callipers, x-ray-imaging and 3-D-photographs of the head, various detailed symmetry and aesthetic indices were collected using a novel digital measurement tool that was integrated into a clinically established programme. These are compared with a healthy control group without craniosynostosis. In addition, perioperative data, a clinical visual assessment of the scars and quality of life were evaluated using a standardised questionnaire.

Results

Individual values show statistically significant deviations from the control group preoperatively and immediately postoperatively, which are typical for the respective form of craniosynostosis. Overall, there were good results in terms of symmetry, aesthetics and satisfaction. Interestingly, the quality of life of operated patients tended to be rated better overall than in the control group.

Conclusion

The detailed measurement technique presented is easy to use and enables an individual, efficient and internationally comparable assessment of the pre- and postoperative findings of patients with primary non-syndromic craniosynostosis. The additional survey of quality of life provides a valuable contribution to the analysis of affected patients.