Results and Complications

Abstract

During the period 1975–1981, 18 cases of Crouzon syndrome and seven cases of other craniosynostosis syndromes underwent surgical correction of major craniofacial deformities. It is still too soon to give a statistical picture of the benefits of these procedures. It can be said that functional symptoms have responded well. Raised intracranial pressure was demonstrated in five and has been relieved in all. Orbitostenosis severe enough to cause ocular dislocation was present in two, and this has never recurred since operation. The symptoms of faciostenosis have often benefited; though snorers still snore, the upper airway is usually less obstructed and dental occlusion is improved. We cannot yet say that these good functional results will be permanent, though we believe that they will be. Nor can we yet present meaningful figures of aesthetic improvement, although corrections of deformity appear so far to be well maintained. It is also too soon to report statistically on our studies of the psychosocial benefits of these procedures. We can however report objectively on the adverse complications. These include many predictable misfortunes, familiar from earlier surgical experience, and also some which were not anticipated by us. There are special hazards in this new surgical discipline. Craniofacial surgery is more than maxillofacial surgery with an occasional neurosurgical component. The very innovative techniques which make possible the spectacular successes of craniofacial surgery are also the causes of occasional terrible disasters.