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Semin Plast Surg 2014; 28(03): 138-143
DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1384809
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Craniosynostosis of the Lambdoid Suture

Jennifer L. Rhodes
1   VCU Center for Craniofacial Care, Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, VCU School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
2   Department of Pediatrics; VCU School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
,
Gary W. Tye
3   VCU Center for Craniofacial Care, Department of Neurosurgery; VCU School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
,
Jeffrey A. Fearon
4   The Craniofacial Center at Medical City Children's Hospital; Dallas, Texas
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History

Publication Date:
04 September 2014 (online)

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Abstract

Craniosynostosis affecting the lambdoid suture is uncommon. The definition of lambdoid craniosynostosis solely applies to those cases demonstrating true suture obliteration, similar to other forms of craniosynostosis. In patients presenting with posterior plagiocephaly, true lambdoid craniosynostosis must be differentiated from the much more common positional molding. It can occur in a unilateral form, a bilateral form, or as part of a complex craniosynostosis. In children with craniofacial syndromes, synostosis of the lambdoid suture most often is seen within the context of a pansynostotic picture. Chiari malformations are commonly seen in multisutural and syndromic types of craniosynostosis that affect the lambdoid sutures. Posterior cranial vault remodeling is recommended to provide adequate intracranial volume to allow for brain growth and to normalize the skull shape. Although many techniques have been described for the correction of lambdoid synostosis, optimal outcomes may result from those techniques based on the concept of occipital advancement.

Keywords

lambdoid craniosynostosis - Mercedes Benz pattern craniosynostosis - posterior plagiocephaly
 

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