A new method for the treatment of scaphocephaly by porcupine quill like diverging longitudinal parietal flaps

Objective. To propose a cranioplasty technique using porcupine quill like diverging longitudinal parietal flaps for cranial augmentation with simultaneous change of width, height and angle of occipital region while maintaining cranial growth potential. Material and methods. This method was used to correct scaphocephaly in 100 patients aged 5 months — 3.5 years (mean 1 year 1 month). To evaluate patient outcomes preoperatively (n=100), immediately postoperatively (n=100), 1 year postoperatively (n=59), and 2-3 years postoperatively (n=35), we measured length, width and height of the skull, cranial index, altitudinal-longitudinal and altitudinal-latitudinal indices. Results. We found significant changes in linear dimensions immediately postoperatively and throughout 2-3 years after procedure. This indicated significant changes in skull shape immediately after surgery and preservation of growth potential. The indices demonstrated significant changes in skull shape and normalization of its proportions. Conclusion. Original technique increases cranial volume and significantly changes its shape. Unfixed area between occipital and parietal bones allows for further brain growth.