A computational modelling tool for prediction of head reshaping following endoscopic strip craniectomy and helmet therapy for the treatment of scaphocephaly.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic strip craniectomy followed by helmet therapy (ESCH) is a minimally invasive approach for correcting sagittal craniosynostosis. The treatment involves a patient-specific helmet designed to facilitate lateral growth while constraining sagittal expansion. In this study, finite element modelling was used to predict post-treatment head reshaping, improving our comprehension of the necessary helmet therapy duration. METHOD: Six patients (aged 11 weeks to 9 months) who underwent ESCH at Connecticut Children's Hospital were enrolled in this study. Day-1 post-operative 3D scans were used to create skin, skull, and intracranial volume models. Patient-specific helmet models, incorporating areas for growth, were designed based on post-operative imaging. Brain growth was simulated through thermal expansion, and treatments were modelled according to post-operative Imaging available. Mechanical testing and finite element modelling were combined to determine patient-specific mechanical properties from bone samples collected from surgery. Validation compared simulated end-of-treatment skin surfaces with optical scans in terms of shape matching and cranial index estimation. RESULTS: Comparison between the simulated post-treatment head shape and optical scans showed that on average 97.3 ± 2.1 % of surface data points were within a distance range of -3 to 3 mm. The cranial index was also accurately predicted (r = 0.91). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, finite element models effectively predicted the ESCH cranial remodeling outcomes up to 8 months postoperatively. This computational tool offers valuable insights to guide and refine helmet treatment duration. This study also incorporated patient-specific material properties, enhancing the accuracy of the modeling approach.

Transcallosal approach and post-operative subdural collections: 12-year paediatric neurosurgery tertiary centre experience.

INTRODUCTION: Following transcallosal surgery for tumour resection, the formation of convexity or interhemispheric subdural cerebrospinal fluid collections may lead to clinical deterioration and may influence decision-making with regards to additional interventions. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence, risk factors, and management of subdural collections following the transcallosal approach in a paediatric cohort. METHODS: A retrospective case note and radiological review of all children who underwent transcallosal surgery for intraventricular and thalamic tumours was carried out covering a 12-year period (2012-2023) in a single-centre tertiary paediatric neurosurgery unit. Parameters including demographics and clinical information including lesion location, pathology, extent of resection, need for and type of shunt required, as well as depth, laterality, and location of the collection were analysed prior to shunting, and at approximately 3 weeks, 3 months, and latest follow-up available post-operatively in order to further elucidate the natural history of these subdural collections and their clinical significance. RESULTS: Sixty-four cases satisfied the inclusion criteria of transcallosal surgery for tumour resection; 13 did not have adequate post-operative imaging and were excluded. Of the remaining 51 cases, there were 32 children (63%) with post-operative CSF subdural collections, of which 59% were ipsilateral, with the remainder showing bilateral distribution. The overall shunt insertion rate was 25.5% (12 ventriculoperitoneal and 1 subdural-peritoneal shunt) at 3 months, with a mean time to shunting of 19 days post-operatively. Children who developed post-operative subdural collections had a higher rate of shunting, at 37.5%, compared to 5.2% in those who did not. Pre- and post-operative hydrocephalus and subtotal resection were identified as risk factors for development of subdural collections post-operatively. Subdural collections showed a natural course of reduction and regression over follow-up, with the exception of 3 children where they persisted or increased over time; although none of these required shunting. Those children who underwent shunt insertion showed greater regression in the size of the subdural collection over time compared to the non-shunted group. CONCLUSION: In this paediatric cohort, 25.5 % of children required insertion of a shunt by 3 months following transcallosal surgery. Pre- and post-operative hydrocephalus and subtotal tumour resection were risk factors for development of subdural collections post-operatively.

Statistical shape modelling for the analysis of head shape variations.

The aim of this study is, firstly, to create a population-based 3D head shape model for the 0 to 2-year-old subjects to describe head shape variability within a normal population and, secondly, to test a combined normal and sagittal craniosynostosis (SAG) population model, able to provide surgical outcome assessment. 3D head shapes of patients affected by non-cranial related pathologies and of SAG patients (pre- and post-op) were extracted either from head CTs or 3D stereophotography scans, and processed. Statistical shape modelling (SSM) was used to describe shape variability using two models - a normal population model (MODEL1) and a combined normal and SAG population model (MODEL2). Head shape variability was described via principal components analysis (PCA) which calculates shape modes describing specific shape features. MODEL1 (n = 65) mode 1 showed statistical correlation (p < 0.001) with width (125.8 ± 13.6 mm), length (151.3 ± 17.4 mm) and height (112.5 ± 11.1 mm) whilst mode 2 showed correlation with cranial index (83.5 mm ± 6.3 mm, p < 0.001). The remaining 9 modes showed more subtle head shape variability. MODEL2 (n = 159) revealed that post-operative head shape still did not achieve full shape normalization with either spring cranioplasty or total calvarial remodelling. This study proves that SSM has the potential to describe detailed anatomical variations in a paediatric population.

Correlation of Intracranial Volume With Head Surface Volume in Patients With Multisutural Craniosynostosis.

Intracranial volume (ICV) is an important parameter for monitoring patients with multisutural craniosynostosis. Intracranial volume measurements are routinely derived from computed tomography (CT) head scans, which involves ionizing radiation. Estimation of ICV from head surface volumes could prove useful as 3D surface scanners could be used to indirectly acquire ICV information, using a non-invasive, non-ionizing method.Pre- and postoperative 3D CT scans from spring-assisted posterior vault expansion (sPVE) patients operated between 2008 and 2018 in a single center were collected. Patients were treated for multisutural craniosynostosis, both syndromic and non-syndromic. For each patient, ICV was calculated from the CT scans as carried out in clinical practice. Additionally, the 3D soft tissue surface volume (STV) was extracted by 3D reconstruction of the CT image soft tissue of each case, further elaborated by computer-aided design (CAD) software. Correlations were analyzed before surgery, after surgery, combined for all patients and in syndrome subgroups.Soft tissue surface volume was highly correlated to ICV for all analyses: r = 0.946 preoperatively, r = 0.959 postoperatively, and r = 0.960 all cases combined. Subgroup analyses for Apert, Crouzon-Pfeiffer and complex craniosynostosis were highly significant as well (P < 0.001).In conclusion, 3D surface model volumes correlated strongly to ICV, measured from the same scan, and linear equations for this correlation are provided. Estimation of ICV with just a 3D surface model could thus be realized using a simple method, which does not require radiations and therefore would allow closer monitoring in patients through multiple acquisitions over time.

Computational Evaluation of Potential Correction Methods for Unicoronal Craniosynostosis.

Unicoronal craniosynostosis is the second most common type of nonsyndromic craniosynostosis: it is characterized by ipsilateral forehead and fronto-parietal region flattening with contralateral compensatory bossing. It is a complex condition; therefore, which is difficult to treat because of the asymmetry in the orbits, cranium, and face. The aim of this study is to understand optimal osteotomy locations, dimensions, and force requirements for surgical operations of unicoronal craniosynostosis using a patient-specific finite element model and - at the same time - to evaluate the potential application of a new device made from Nitinol which was developed to expand the affected side of a unicoronal craniosynostosis skull without performing osteotomies. The model geometry was reconstructed using Simpleware ScanIP. The bone and sutures were modeled using elastic properties to perform the finite element analyses in MSc Marc software. The simulation results showed that expanding the cranium without osteotomy requires a significant amount of force. Therefore, expansion of the cranium achieved by Nitinol devices may not be sufficient to correct the deformity. Moreover, the size and locations of the osteotomies are crucial for an optimal outcome from surgical operations in unicoronal craniosynostosis.

A population-specific material model for sagittal craniosynostosis to predict surgical shape outcomes.

Sagittal craniosynostosis consists of premature fusion (ossification) of the sagittal suture during infancy, resulting in head deformity and brain growth restriction. Spring-assisted cranioplasty (SAC) entails skull incisions to free the fused suture and insertion of two springs (metallic distractors) to promote cranial reshaping. Although safe and effective, SAC outcomes remain uncertain. We aimed hereby to obtain and validate a skull material model for SAC outcome prediction. Computed tomography data relative to 18 patients were processed to simulate surgical cuts and spring location. A rescaling model for age matching was created using retrospective data and validated. Design of experiments was used to assess the effect of different material property parameters on the model output. Subsequent material optimization-using retrospective clinical spring measurements-was performed for nine patients. A population-derived material model was obtained and applied to the whole population. Results showed that bone Young's modulus and relaxation modulus had the largest effect on the model predictions: the use of the population-derived material model had a negligible effect on improving the prediction of on-table opening while significantly improved the prediction of spring kinematics at follow-up. The model was validated using on-table 3D scans for nine patients: the predicted head shape approximated within 2 mm the 3D scan model in 80% of the surface points, in 8 out of 9 patients. The accuracy and reliability of the developed computational model of SAC were increased using population data: this tool is now ready for prospective clinical application.

A machine learning framework for automated diagnosis and computer-assisted planning in plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Current computational tools for planning and simulation in plastic and reconstructive surgery lack sufficient precision and are time-consuming, thus resulting in limited adoption. Although computer-assisted surgical planning systems help to improve clinical outcomes, shorten operation time and reduce cost, they are often too complex and require extensive manual input, which ultimately limits their use in doctor-patient communication and clinical decision making. Here, we present the first large-scale clinical 3D morphable model, a machine-learning-based framework involving supervised learning for diagnostics, risk stratification, and treatment simulation. The model, trained and validated with 4,261 faces of healthy volunteers and orthognathic (jaw) surgery patients, diagnoses patients with 95.5% sensitivity and 95.2% specificity, and simulates surgical outcomes with a mean accuracy of 1.1 ± 0.3 mm. We demonstrate how this model could fully-automatically aid diagnosis and provide patient-specific treatment plans from a 3D scan alone, to help efficient clinical decision making and improve clinical understanding of face shape as a marker for primary and secondary surgery.

Syndromic Craniosynostosis: Complexities of Clinical Care.

Patients with syndromic craniosynostosis have a molecularly identified genetic cause for the premature closure of their cranial sutures and associated facial and extra-cranial features. Their clinical complexity demands comprehensive management by an extensive multidisciplinary team. This review aims to marry genotypic and phenotypic knowledge with clinical presentation and management of the craniofacial syndromes presenting most frequently to the craniofacial unit at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust.

Intracranial Neoplasms in the First Year of Life: Results of a Third Cohort of Patients From a Single Institution.

BACKGROUND: Brain tumors in the first year of life are rare and their management remains challenging. OBJECTIVE: To report on the contemporary management of brain tumors in infants with reference to previous series from our institution. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study design. Electronic/paper case note review of all brain tumors diagnosed at our institution in children aged <1 yr since the publication of our previous series. RESULTS: Ninety-eight patients were seen. The most common presentations were with vomiting and macrocrania, at a median age of 184 d. Sixty-two percent of tumors were supratentorial. Ninety-one patients underwent 230 procedures; 7 patients had no surgery. One hundred eighteen operations were directly on brain tumors (biopsy 37, subtotal resection 47, gross total resection 34). Ninety-one cerebrospinal fluid diversions, 9 endoscopic procedures, and 13 preoperative embolizations were performed. Operative mortality was 4.4%. Tumor types in order of frequency were choroid plexus papillomas (CPP, 17), primitive neuroectodermal tumor (12), atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor (10), high-grade glioma (9), optic glioma (9), ependymoma (8), low-grade glioma (6), pilocytic astrocytoma (6), choroid plexus carcinoma (5), and teratoma (5), with 11 miscellaneous tumors. Survival was 93% at 1 mo (91/98), 64% at 1 yr (61/95), 44% at 5 yr (32/73), 28% at 10 yr (16/58). No patients with CPP or low-grade glioma died. Five-year survival rates were lowest for anaplastic ependymoma, primitive neuroectodermal tumor, and atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor. Seventy-seven percent of children reaching school age were in mainstream schooling. CONCLUSION: Overall survival from neonatal brain tumors remains similar to previous series; analysis of tumor subtypes reveals improvements for CPP and gliomas. Despite increasing operative intervention, operative mortality continues to decline for this group of challenging patients.

A novel soft tissue prediction methodology for orthognathic surgery based on probabilistic finite element modelling.

Repositioning of the maxilla in orthognathic surgery is carried out for functional and aesthetic purposes. Pre-surgical planning tools can predict 3D facial appearance by computing the response of the soft tissue to the changes to the underlying skeleton. The clinical use of commercial prediction software remains controversial, likely due to the deterministic nature of these computational predictions. A novel probabilistic finite element model (FEM) for the prediction of postoperative facial soft tissues is proposed in this paper. A probabilistic FEM was developed and validated on a cohort of eight patients who underwent maxillary repositioning and had pre- and postoperative cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans taken. Firstly, a variables correlation assessed various modelling parameters. Secondly, a design of experiments (DOE) provided a range of potential outcomes based on uniformly distributed input parameters, followed by an optimisation. Lastly, the second DOE iteration provided optimised predictions with a probability range. A range of 3D predictions was obtained using the probabilistic FEM and validated using reconstructed soft tissue surfaces from the postoperative CBCT data. The predictions in the nose and upper lip areas accurately include the true postoperative position, whereas the prediction under-estimates the position of the cheeks and lower lip. A probabilistic FEM has been developed and validated for the prediction of the facial appearance following orthognathic surgery. This method shows how inaccuracies in the modelling and uncertainties in executing surgical planning influence the soft tissue prediction and it provides a range of predictions including a minimum and maximum, which may be helpful for patients in understanding the impact of surgery on the face.

The Role of Bipartition Distraction in the Treatment of Apert Syndrome.

Apert syndrome is characterized by hypertelorism, a negative canthal axis, and central midfacial hypoplasia, resulting in a biconcave face. Bipartition distraction partially corrects these facial anomalies. This study investigates limitations of bipartition distraction using linear, angular, and geometric morphometric analysis. Preoperative and postoperative three-dimensional computed tomographic craniofacial constructs of 10 patients with Apert syndrome (aged 12 to 21 years) were annotated with 98 landmarks. Twelve age-, sex, and ethnicity-matched normal skulls provided control data. Principal component analysis was used to analyze shape characteristics within and between the groups and describe the changes occurring with surgery. Results were displayed graphically using difference color maps. Conventional point-based measurements documented midfacial width, height, and asymmetry. Apert three-dimensional constructs exhibited reduced upper midfacial height and greater extrinsic symmetric variation relative to controls. Facial bipartition partially corrected excessive midfacial width and interorbital distance but did not adequately correct deficient upper midfacial height. Excessive orbital diameter was unaltered by surgery. There was no demonstrable effect on intrinsic or extrinsic midfacial asymmetry. Principal component analysis demonstrated improved midfacial projection and correction of central biconcavity. Bipartition distraction corrects midfacial retrusion, exorbitism, and hypertelorism. It does not treat midfacial height disproportion or correct orbital shape. It leaves the face too wide at the zygomatic level and does not correct facial asymmetry. Although bipartition distraction is an improvement on the unmodified monobloc advancement, further refinements are needed to fully correct Apert dysmorphology.

Spring assisted cranioplasty: A patient specific computational model.

Implantation of spring-like distractors in the treatment of sagittal craniosynostosis is a novel technique that has proven functionally and aesthetically effective in correcting skull deformities; however, final shape outcomes remain moderately unpredictable due to an incomplete understanding of the skull-distractor interaction. The aim of this study was to create a patient specific computational model of spring assisted cranioplasty (SAC) that can help predict the individual overall final head shape. Pre-operative computed tomography images of a SAC patient were processed to extract a 3D model of the infant skull anatomy and simulate spring implantation. The distractors were modeled based on mechanical experimental data. Viscoelastic bone properties from the literature were tuned using the specific patient procedural information recorded during surgery and from x-ray measurements at follow-up. The model accurately captured spring expansion on-table (within 9% of the measured values), as well as at first and second follow-ups (within 8% of the measured values). Comparison between immediate post-operative 3D head scanning and numerical results for this patient proved that the model could successfully predict the final overall head shape. This preliminary work showed the potential application of computational modeling to study SAC, to support pre-operative planning and guide novel distractor design.

Melanotic neuroectodermal tumour of infancy: A case report and differential diagnosis.

Melanotic neuroectodermal tumour of infancy is an uncommon pigmented neoplasm of neural crest origin. It was first described in 1918 by Krompecher, known as congenital melanocarcinoma at that time. Although it is generally agreed upon that it is a benign entity, it is locally aggressive and has a significant recurrent risk, reported to be between 10-15%. There have also been prior reports of malignant behaviour in these tumours, although extremely rare. The majority of cases of this tumour (about 70%) arise from the maxilla and its occurrence in the cranial vault represents approximately 15.6% of cases. We describe a rare case of melanotic neuroectodermal tumour of infancy, with simultaneous involvement of the cranial vault and petrous temporal bone, in a four-month-old child, complicated by post-surgical pseudo-meningocele. This case illustrates the diagnostic dilemma in differentiating reactive osseous sclerosis from direct tumour infiltration, both of which can occur in the context of melanotic neuroectodermal tumour of infancy. The discussion places emphasis on differential diagnoses and useful radiological features to assist in clinching the diagnosis of melanotic neuroectodermal tumour of infancy.

Proof of Concept Study for the Design, Manufacturing, and Testing of a Patient-Specific Shape Memory Device for Treatment of Unicoronal Craniosynostosis.

Treatment of unicoronal craniosynostosis is a surgically challenging problem, due to the involvement of coronal suture and cranial base, with complex asymmetries of the calvarium and orbit. Several techniques for correction have been described, including surgical bony remodeling, early strip craniotomy with orthotic helmet remodeling and distraction. Current distraction devices provide unidirectional forces and have had very limited success. Nitinol is a shape memory alloy that can be programmed to the shape of a patient-specific anatomy by means of thermal treatment.In this work, a methodology to produce a nitinol patient-specific distractor is presented: computer tomography images of a 16-month-old patient with unicoronal craniosynostosis were processed to create a 3-dimensional model of his skull and define the ideal shape postsurgery. A mesh was produced from a nitinol sheet, formed to the ideal skull shape and heat treated to be malleable at room temperature. The mesh was afterward deformed to be attached to a rapid prototyped plastic skull, replica of the patient initial anatomy. The mesh/skull construct was placed in hot water to activate the mesh shape memory property: the deformed plastic skull was computed tomography scanned for comparison of its shape with the initial anatomy and with the desired shape, showing that the nitinol mesh had been able to distract the plastic skull to a shape close to the desired one.The shape-memory properties of nitinol allow for the design and production of patient-specific devices able to deliver complex, preprogrammable shape changes.

Intracranial Volume Measurement: A Systematic Review and Comparison of Different Techniques.

The ability to calculate intracranial volume (ICV) from 3-dimensional imaging is a useful tool in a craniofacial team's armamentarium. Intracranial volume uses range from decision making to assessment. Various methods to calculate ICV exist including fully manual, semiautomatic, and fully automatic techniques and they are used with varying frequency in craniofacial centres globally.This study aimed to systematically analyze and compare ICV calculations across the 3 methods and provide information to allow the reader to utilize these processes in practice.Twenty-six computed tomography scans from Apert patients were used to compare ICV measurements calculated using the following techniques: fully manual segmentation with OsiriX (taken as the gold standard); semiautomatic segmentation using Simpleware ScanIP; and fully automatic segmentation using FSL neuroimaging software. In addition, to assess the effect that a reducing CT scan slice number had on ICV measurement, 13 scans were remeasured using half, quarter, and an eighth of the slices of the full scan.The manual and semiautomatic techniques had intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.997, and 0.993 respectively. Intracranial volume measurements using the semi- and fully automatic techniques showed high linear correlation with manual techniques (R = 0.993 and R = 0.995). The coefficients of determination for full scan versus half, quarter, and eighth scan were R = 0.98, 0.96, and 0.94 respectively.Similar ICV results can be obtained using manual, semiautomatic, or automatic techniques with decreasing amount of time required to perform each method. Command line code for the fully automatic method is provided.

Three-Dimensional Handheld Scanning to Quantify Head-Shape Changes in Spring-Assisted Surgery for Sagittal Craniosynostosis.

Three-dimensional (3D) imaging is an important tool for diagnostics, surgical planning, and evaluation of surgical outcomes in craniofacial procedures. Gold standard for acquiring 3D imaging is computed tomography that entails ionizing radiations and, in young children, a general anaesthesia. Three-dimensional photographic imaging is an alternative method to assess patients who have undergone calvarial reconstructive surgery. The aim of this study was to assess the utility of 3D handheld scanning photography in a cohort of patients who underwent spring-assisted correction surgery for scaphocephaly. Pre- and postoperative 3D scans acquired in theater and at the 3-week follow-up in clinic were postprocessed for 9 patients. Cephalic index (CI), head circumference, volume, sagittal length, and coronal width over the head at pre-op, post-op, and follow-up were measured from the 3D scans. Cephalic index from 3D scans was compared with measurements from planar x-rays. Statistical shape modeling (SSM) was used to calculate the 3D mean anatomical head shape of the 9 patients at the pre-op, post-op, and follow-up. No significant differences were observed in the CI between 3D and x-ray. Cephalic index, volume, and coronal width increased significantly over time. Mean shapes from SSM visualized the overall and regional 3D changes due to the expansion of the springs in situ. Three-dimensional handheld scanning followed by SSM proved to be an efficacious and practical method to evaluate 3D shape outcomes after spring-assisted cranioplasty in individual patients and the population.

Raised intracranial pressure in Crouzon syndrome: incidence, causes, and management.

OBJECT Patients with Crouzon syndrome (CS) are at risk for developing raised intracranial pressure (ICP), which has the potential to impair both vision and neurocognitive development. For this reason, some experts recommend early prophylactic cranial vault expansion on the basis that if ICP is not currently raised, it is likely to become so. The aim of this study was to examine the justification for such a policy. This was done by analyzing the incidence, causes, and subsequent risk of recurrence in a series of patients with CS, in whom raised ICP was treated only after it had been diagnosed. METHODS This study was a retrospective review of the medical records and imaging data of patients with a clinical diagnosis of CS. RESULTS There were 49 patients in the study, of whom 30 (61.2%) developed at least 1 episode of raised ICP. First episodes occurred at an average age of 1.42 years and were attributable to craniocerebral disproportion/venous hypertension (19 patients), hydrocephalus (8 patients), and airway obstruction (3 patients). They were managed, respectively, by vault expansion, ventriculoperitoneal shunt insertion, and airway improvement. Fourteen of the 30 patients developed a second episode of raised ICP an average of 1.42 years after treatment for their initial episode, and 3 patients developed a third episode an average of 3.15 years after that. Causes of subsequent episodes of raised ICP often differed from previous episodes and required different management. Patients who were < 1 year old when the first episode was diagnosed were at increased risk of recurrence. CONCLUSIONS Although the incidence of raised ICP in CS is high, it did not occur in nearly 40% of children during the course of this study. The several possible causes of CS require different management and may vary from episode to episode. The authors recommend an expectant policy toward these children with careful clinical, ophthalmological, respiratory, and radiological monitoring for raised ICP, reserving intervention for when it has been detected and the appropriate treatment can be initiated.

Design, Manufacturing, and In Vitro Testing of a Patient-Specific Shape-Memory Expander for Nose Reconstruction With Forehead Flap Technique.

Forehead skin is widely acknowledged as a good donor site for total nasal reconstruction, thanks to its matching color, texture, and abundant vascularity. The forehead flap technique uses an axial pattern flap forehead skin to replace missing nasal tissue. To increase the amount of available tissue and reduce the size of the tissue defect after flap mobilization, tissue expanders may be used. Although this is a relatively established technique, limitations include reduced moldability of the forehead skin (which is thicker than the nasal skin), and the need for multiple sessions of expansion to achieve a sufficient yield to close the forehead.Shape-memory metals, such as nitinol, can be programmed to "remember" complex shapes. In this work, the methodology for producing a prototype of nitinol tissue expander able to mold the skin in a predetermined patient-specific skin shape is described. A realistic nose mold was manufactured using metal rapid prototyping; nitinol sheet and mesh were molded into nose-shape constructs, having hyperelastic as well as shape-memory capability. Computed tomography scanning was performed to assess the ability of the structure to regain its shape after phase transformation upon cooling within 2% of initial dimensions. The prototypes were implanted in a pig forehead to test its ability to impose a nose shape to the forehead skin.The shape-memory properties of nitinol offer the possibility of producing bespoke tissue expanders able to deliver complex, precisely designed skin envelopes. The hyperelastic properties of nitinol allow constant preprogrammed expansion forces to be generated throughout the expansion process.