Long-term cranial shape outcomes in metopic synostosis: A 12-year follow-up study using 3D photography

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Restoring a normal head shape is a key objective in surgery for metopic synostosis. Few studies have examined long-term results due to challenges in data collection and reliance on ionizing CT scans. Recent advances in 3D photography offer a promising, non-invasive method to accurately assess cranial shape and track outcomes over time. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective longitudinal cohort study using 3D analysis to assess cranial shape outcomes after surgery for metopic synostosis over a 12-year follow-up period. Using a craniofacial growth curve from a dataset of healthy controls, we objectively compared individual cases to their age- and sex-matched average. Using these fea..