J Korean Soc Plast Reconstr Surg.  1999 Sep;26(5):753-759.

Bull's Osteotomy for Reshaping the Forehead in Simple Symmetric Craniosynostosis

• Kim SM
• Park BY
• Lew DH

Abstract

Cranocsynostosis is the term that designates premature fusion of one or more sutures in either the cranial vault or cranial base. Especially scaphocephaly, brachycephaly and trigonocephaly are included in simple symmetric craniosynostosis. In simple symmetric craniosynostosis, the functional deformity is rare, but deformity in external appearance is always a serious problem. The purpose of forehead reshaping in simple symmetric craniosynostosis is recovery of normal cerebral growth and improvement of cranial cosmetic problem by restoration of normal calvarial anatomic structure. Various surgical methods have Bbeen developed in an effort to correct craniosynostosis. Cranial vault remodeling with or without supraorbital band advancement is a widely accpeted method of correcting simple symmetric craniosynostosis. However, the standardized surgical method has not yet been estabilished in reshaping the forehead during cranial vault remodeling of simple symmetric craniosynostosis. The authors developed a new osteotomy method, the bull's osteotomy, which is a limited osteotomy for cranial vault remodeling. It produces posterior tilting of a prominant forehead as well as increased biparietotemporal distance for effective forehead reshaping. We applied this techriaue in 8 scaphocephaly and 2 brachycephaly patients under 5 years of age who have not yet reached bony consolidation. All patinets obtained satisfactory results with properly corrected deformity and no relapse was observed during the follow-up period. This new osteotomy method is simple and effective and a consistant surgical outcome is expected. particularly the contour of the forehead on the frontotemporal area is corrected to have a smooth and natural curvature. Based on our experience using bull's osteotomy, we offer this new surgical technique for managing simple symmetric cranoisynostosis patients.

MeSH Terms

Congenital Abnormalities
Craniosynostoses*
Follow-Up Studies
Forehead*
Humans
Osteotomy*
Recurrence
Skull Base
Sutures