Apert Syndrome Management: Changing Treatment Algorithm

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to review 10 years of surgical experience in the management of Apert syndrome, focusing on an updated algorithm which includes hand reconstruction and posterior vault distraction osteogenesis (PVDO). Additionally, the authors compare PVDO, which is currently used, with fronto-orbital advancement (FOA), which was utilized in a previous algorithm. METHODS: An observational retrospective study was performed on consecutive patients with Apert syndrome who underwent upper and lower limb reconstruction and craniofacial surgery between 2007 and 2017. A modified Clavien-Dindo surgical complication scale was used to stratify complications between PVDO and FOA. Demographic, surgical, and outcome data was also recorded. The blood transfusion rate between PVDO and FOA was also assessed and compared utilizing the Student t test. RESULTS: The present study included 69 patients with Apert syndrome (34 males and 35 females). Craniofacial surgeries were performed on a total of 38 patients. A total of 210 operations were performed on the respective upper and lower limbs of patients included in this study. A total of 18 patients underwent PVDO (n = 9) and FOA (n = 9). Posterior vault distraction osteogenesis required significantly less transfused blood volume than FOA (P < 0.05). Complication rate and length of hospital stay were similar for each procedure. CONCLUSION: An updated algorithm to treat Apert patients was implemented. Posterior vault distraction osteogenesis incorporated into an updated algorithm results in a lower blood transfusion rate.