Monobloc and midface distraction osteogenesis in pediatric patients with severe syndromal craniosynostosis

We present 2 children with severe syndromal craniosynostosis who were in ne ed of urgent midface advancement surgery due to recurrent ocular dislocatio ns (Pfeiffer's syndrome type II) or severe upper respiratory obstruction (C rouzon's syndrome). They were operated using distraction osteogenesis, with gradual midface or monobloc advancements. In the Pfeiffer patient, a maxil lary distraction of 25 mm achieved effective cessation of ocular dislocatio ns, whereas a 23-mm monobloc advancement in the Crouzon patient achieved ce ssation of nocturnal arterial desaturations, No major postoperative complic ations were recorded. Distraction osteogenesis has become a versatile and s afe technique that allows for large skeletal advancements. Copyright (C) 20 00 S. Karger AG. Basel.