Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

The coronal incision is the mainstay for access in craniosynostosis surgery. Scarring is a common concern of parents whose children are offered an open procedure. To the author's knowledge, there are no previous studies looking at the psychosocial impact of scarring from coronal access incisions for craniosynostosis procedures. The author's study focused on patients undergoing procedures for nonsyndromic single-suture craniosynostosis.This study comprised 3 parts: worldwide survey regarding coronal access incisions for craniosynostosis surgery, questionnaire to determine the psychosocial impact of the scars on patients and their parents, and measurement of postoperative scars in craniosynostosis patients.Survey responses from 46 craniofacial centers worldwide revealed a zig-zag was the most commonly utilized incision. Seventy-two percent of survey responses reported problems with postoperative stretching of the scar; only 20% of centers reported formal data collection of whether families were affected by this.Psychology questionnaires revealed that the majority of patients and their parents were not bothered by the zig-zag coronal scars. Patient felt the scars were less noticeable than the parents. Parent perceptions improved with age and time postsurgery.Coronal access scars following craniosynostosis surgery appear to stretch more in the supra-auricular region compared with the midline.These findings are useful for the craniofacial multidisciplinary team to inform parents contemplating surgery and who may be concerned about the impact of the scar in the future.

Original publication

DOI

10.1097/SCS.0000000000008181

Type

Journal article

Journal

J craniofac surg

Publication Date

01/2022

Volume

33

Pages

168 - 173

Keywords

Child, Cicatrix, Craniosynostoses, Humans, Parents, Postoperative Period, Sutures