Chapter
3:
Metopic
Synostosis
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Chapter
3: |
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Craniosynostosis
Metopic Synostosis
Craniosynostosis |
The metopic suture runs down the midline of the forehead. Premature
fusion of this suture results in a triangular shaped forehead called
trigonocephaly. A bony ridge is usually palpable that extends from the
bridge of the nose to the upper part of the forehead. This premature
fusion produces a prominent midline keel with lateral recession of the
brows. From the frontal view these patients typically have the
appearance of hypotelorism or decreased distance between the eyes.
The incidence of metopic synostosis in most cases of craniosynostosis is between 5-10%. This deformity is usually obvious at birth, but the severity of the anomaly may vary. We prefer to correct these deformities between 4 and 8 months of age. Our current surgical treatment consists of frontal bone remodeling and supralateral orbital advancement. The triangular or keel-shaped forehead is removed and recontoured to the appropriate shape or bone may be taken from another area of the skull to replace this bone. The entire bony supraorbital bar is removed and reshaped with supralateral orbital advancement to restore the normal brow contour. Microplates are used to secure the frontal bar to the facial bones and maintain the normal contour.
The Tennessee Craniofacial
Center, part of the Erlanger Health System, is located in Chattanooga,
Tennessee. The Center, led Larry A. Sargent, M.D., specializes in the
evaluation and treatment of patients of all ages with craniofacial deformities.
Location:
975 East Third Street. Chattanooga, Tennessee 37403
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