Management of Lambdoid Craniosynostosis: A Comprehensive and Systematic Review

Abstract

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Craniosynostosis is a condition characterized by the premature fusion of 2 or more skull bones. Craniosynostosis of the lambdoid suture is one of the rarest forms, accounting for 1–4% of all craniosynostoses. Documented cases are separated into simple (single suture), complex (bilateral), and associated with adjacent synostoses (“Mercedes Benz” Pattern) or syndromes (i.e., Crouzon, Sathre-Chotzen, Antley-Bixler). This condition can manifest phenotypic deformities and neurological sequelae that can lead to impaired cognitive function if improperly treated or left undiagnosed. Preferred surgical techniques have varied over time but all maintain the common goals of establishing proper head shape and preventing of complications that could contribute to aforementioned sequelae. <b><i>Summary:</i></b> This comprehensive review highlights demographic distributions, embryological development, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, neurological sequelae, radiologic findings, surgical techniques, surgical outcomes, and postoperative considerations of patients with lambdoid craniosynostosis presentation. In addition, a systematic review was conducted to explore the operative management of lambdoid craniosynostosis using PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases, with 38 articles included after screening. <b><i>Key Messages:</i></b> Due to a low volume of published cases, diagnosis and treatment can vary. Large overlap in presentation can occur in patients that display lambdoid craniosynostosis and posterior plagiocephaly, furthering the need for comprehensive analysis. Possessing the knowledge and tools to properly assess patients with lambdoid craniosynostosis will allow for more precise care and improved outcomes.

Application of Rapid Digital Locating Technology in Emergency Treatment of Maxillofacial Space Infection

“…Lambdoid craniosynostosis has been identified in patients with craniosynostosis syndromes including Crouzon, Saethre-Chotzen, and Antley-Bixler syndrome. 1 Although relatively rare, various visceral anomalies associated with syndromic craniosynostoses have also been documented in the literature. Nevertheless, the relative rarity of nonsyndromic lambdoid craniosynostosis and its unknown etiology yields a gap in our knowledge of associated visceral co-morbidities.…”

“…Lambdoid craniosynostosis has been identified in patients with craniosynostosis syndromes including Crouzon, Saethre-Chotzen, and Antley-Bixler syndrome 1 . Although relatively rare, various visceral anomalies associated with syndromic craniosynostoses have also been documented in the literature.…”

Lambdoid Craniosynostosis in an Infant With Congenital Cystic Adenomatoid Malformation (CCAM)

“…Lambdoid craniosynostosis constitutes the rarest single-suture presentation, accounting for 1% to 4% of all cases of craniosynostosis 1 . Commonly associated physical exam findings include frontal bossing, posterior plagiocephaly, torticollis, a mastoid bulge, and changes in ear position 2 .…”

“…L ambdoid craniosynostosis constitutes the rarest single-suture presentation, accounting for 1% to 4% of all cases of craniosynostosis. 1 Commonly associated physical exam findings include frontal bossing, posterior plagiocephaly, torticollis, a mastoid bulge, and changes in ear position. 2 Although the exact etiology of lambdoid craniosynostosis is unknown, cases of familial synos-tosis and dizygotic twins suggest a genetic contribution.…”

“…Although the exact etiology of lambdoid craniosynostosis is unknown, cases of familial synos-tosis and dizygotic twins suggest a genetic contribution. 3,4 Additionally, numerous environmental factors have been implicated in its development, including intrauterine head restraint, macrosomia, nulliparity, pluriparity, abnormal fetal positioning, oligohydramnios, teratogen exposure, low birth weight, and shunted hydrocephalus 1 . A systematic review from Reardon et al 1 attributed an estimated 80% of cases of lambdoid synostosis to these environmental factors.…”