[Multidirectional Cranial Distraction Osteogenesis for Craniosynostosis].

In this article we explain in detail the Multidirectional Cranial Distraction Osteogenesis(MCDO)procedure for treating craniosynostosis, in which the multiple cranial bone flaps are pulled up in different directions by the external distractor with the helmet-type frame. MCDO has several advantages over conventional procedures such as unilateral cranial distraction osteogenesis(UCDO). First, the design of the osteotomy in MCDO is flexible depending on the deformities. Each bone flap can be moved to the desired direction in MCDO, while being moved only in one direction along the axis of the distractor in UCDO. This enables remodeling of the deformed cranium to the desired shape. Second, compared with UCDO, the distance between each bone flap after distraction is narrower in MCDO, allowing earlier bone formation and fusion, and thus a shorter consolidation period. Third, the expansion efficacy of MCDO is greater than that of UCDO. The maximum defects of MCDO were the large amount of osteotomy and the resulting heavy bleeding. Therefore, we have recently attempted to improve the design and procedure of osteotomy. The MCDO method allows all phenotypes of skull deformity to be reshaped by distraction osteogenesis.