Craniosynostosis is a congenital condition affecting 1 in 2100-2500 births and is defined as the premature fusion skull. Craniosynostosis is most often treated with surgical intervention between 6-12 months of age to unlock and reshape the skull to avoid neurological impairment including increased intracranial pressure and neurodevelopmental delay. Current practice in Manitoba is to refer all children who undergo surgery for craniosynostosis to developmental pediatricians for neurodevelopmental evaluation. Recent studies have described very good development outcomes for children following craniosynostosis surgery, with the majority of children being within the normal range for neurodevelopment. Considering the suspected good functional outcomes of these patients and the limited resources available for child development assessment, we propose a descriptive study of the developmental outcomes of preschool children requiring craniosynostosis surgery in Manitoba. In a historical chart review, the developmental outcomes of all patients who have been assessed at the Child Development Clinic at SSCY (Specialized Services for Children and Youth) after craniosynostosis surgery between July 1st, 2016 and December 1st, 2021 (estimated n=140) will be described. The frequency of moderate and severe developmental delay and referral to Children Disability Services will be reported. The results of this study will help inform an appropriate follow up strategy for children undergoing surgery for craniosynostosis in Manitoba.
