Complex Synostosis is a condition that leads to an abnormal face and skull, and is usually seen in young infants. Their skull plates fuse together too fast, making it hard for the child's head to continue growing.
The good news is, doctors at Helen DeVos Children's Hospital can treat this condition.
Complex synostosis is most commonly found in children with pfeiffer, crouzon or apert`s syndrome, and usually requires a two step process to fix.
The first step is called distraction osteogenesis, a process that stretches the back of the skull and grows new bone. Basically, the doctors make a cut in the bone and place a small metal plate in the skull that will stretch that growing healing bone over time.
Dr. John Girotto, a plastic surgeon at DeVos Children's Hospital, says that usually takes two to three weeks. When the child is older, doctors like john polley restructure the forehead and face.
Dr. John Polley, also a plastic surgeon at Devos, then attaches a rigid external distraction, or RED device.
Parents are given a screw driver, then have to turn the RED device to expand the baby's skull. Doctors instruct them how often to rutn it and how much, and overtime the skull will become a normal size.
The patients wear the red device for about six to eight weeks, and can do most of their normal activities during that time.
Dr. Polley says that it's a long term fix that will last a lifetime.
Their offices are located at 426 Michigan Street Northeast in Grand Rapids. To learn more, call (616) 486-5885.
