Summary of Findings:

The study focused on quantifying facial changes in children with Posterior synostotic plagiocephaly (PSP), examining the influence of age at diagnosis and PSP severity on facial dysmorphology. A total of 22 infants with PSP were analyzed using high-resolution preoperative CT images. They were categorized based on the age at diagnosis (early or late) and the severity of PSP, as determined by the cranial vault asymmetry index (CVAI). The severity was classified as mild-moderate (CVAI between 3 and 12%) or severe (CVAI > 12%). The study found that all children had unilateral lambdoid suture synostosis and exhibited facial asymmetry, with the late diagnosis group showing more pronounced facial changes, especially in severe cases.

Importance:

This research is important as it highlights the relationship between the timing of PSP diagnosis, the severity of the condition, and the extent of facial dysmorphology. It suggests that earlier diagnosis and intervention could potentially mitigate more severe facial asymmetry.

Contribution to Literature:

The study contributes to the literature by providing quantitative analysis of facial changes in PSP and demonstrating that the severity of cranial vault dysmorphology is a key factor in the extent of facial asymmetry. It also shows that the mandible is affected early in the condition, while maxillary changes occur later and only in severe cases.