The plastic surgery for plagiocephaly

Objective To sum up three types of plastic procedures for frontal plagiocephaly (unilateral coronal synostosis).Methods Based on the principle of floating forehead,the plagiocephaly was corrected and orbito-frontal reconstruction was performed by orbito-frontal advancement,or temporoparietal osteotomy,or fronto-parietal osteotomy.The absorbable plates and microscrews composed of polylactide polymers,were used to immobilize calvarial segments.Results From January 2008 to December 2010,9 cases of plagiocephaly were treated with satisfactory result and no severe complication.The patients were followed up for 1-2 years with no recurrence of suture fusion and deformity.The brain development was not restricted.The absorbable plates were applied to avoid the metal fixation moving into the cranial bone.Conclusions The three types of plastic procedures,orbito-frontal advancement,or temporo-parietal osteotomy,or fronto-parietal osteotomy,can correct the plagiocephaly with satisfactory orbito-frontal appearance.Long-term follow-up is needed to observe the long-term effect of the orbito-frontal reconstructive operation on mental and calvarial development as well as visual function. Key words: Frontal plagiocephaly;  Unilateral coronal synostosis;  Orbito-frontal advancement; Floating forehead;  Absorbable miniplate