Complete correction of severe scaphocephaly: The Melbourne method of total vault remodeling

Abstract

BACKGROUND: A new method of total calvarial remodeling for correcting significant scaphocephaly is described, and experience with the first 30 consecutive patients is presented. METHODS: Thirty consecutive patients (22 boys and eight girls) with moderate to severe scaphocephaly who underwent total calvarial remodeling using the Melbourne technique were analyzed retrospectively. Mean age at surgery was 7.5 months (range, 4 to 18 months). All had significant frontal and occipital deformities, bitemporal narrowing, a low cranial index, an anteriorly located vertex, and a narrow posteroinferiorly sloping posterior cranium. Clinical photographs, computed tomographic imaging, and cranial index wer..