Spring-Assisted Cranial Expansion for Craniosynostosis at North Austin Campus

We offer spring-assisted cranial expansion for certain types of single suture craniosynostosis. Our plastic surgeon and neurosurgeon will discuss with you the differences between the techniques we offer for the treatment of craniosynostosis and if the use of springs would be a benefit. 

In spring-assisted cranial expansion, our surgeons remove strips of bone through small incisions at the top of the scalp using an endoscope (long thin camera) to keep the scars as small as possible. This part of the procedure is similar to endoscopic assisted craniectomy, but instead of using a cranial molding helmet after surgery, the surgeon places two small internal springs within the bone gap. The springs actively reshape the skull by widening it over several months. This procedure does not require the use of postoperative helmet. However, it does require a second operation about 5 months later to remove the springs through the same small scars.

Example of spring placement for the treatment of sagittal synostosis: