Surgical guide for the remodelling of the orbito-naso-frontal bandeau in craniosynostosis surgery

IntroductionCraniosynostoses affecting the forehead sutures can not only cause brain damage, but can also have an esthetic impact, because of the associated orbito-naso-frontal deformations. Reshaping the orbito-naso-frontal bandeau (ONFB) is difficult to appreciate perioperatively and should ideally be customized to each child. The aim of this study was to develop a template to guide the surgeon preoperatively towards an ideal customized remodelling of the ONFB.Materials and methodsA previous study conducted on computed tomography scans obtained from healthy children allowed us to conclude that the whole ONFB shape could be accurately described just by the distance measured between the fronto-zygomatic sutures (FZD), independently of age and gender. Our customizable template relies on this measurement.ResultsA re-usable template, built around three supports adjustable to a wide range of FZD, was designed using the CAD 3D Rhinoceros® software and machined in stainless steel 316L. The prototype was used for three children with good preliminary results.Discussion and conclusionThe use of a customizable surgical template allows the surgeon to perform accurate and ideal perioperative remodeling of the ONFB in children suffering from craniosynostosis affecting the forehead sutures. Our prototype is currently the only one to be adjustable according to the FZD. The utility of this device will be assessed in a future prospective clinical study.