Influence of the allocation and force of distraction springs on the head shape of a child with sagittal craniosynostosis
Abstract
Purpose
This study presents the application of numerical methods, for preoperative planning and determining the force and placement of distraction springs, as well as the cranial incision sites, in a newborn with a congenital disability involving cranial suture fusion.
Methods
This study employs a multifaceted methodology based on the work of an interdisciplinary team. The procedure involves: (1) patient-specific finite element method numerical analysis to simulate varying distraction spring forces and allocations, (2) non-invasive 3D optical surface scanning for the precise analysis of post-operative anatomical changes, and (3) clinical verification of the numerical predictions.
Results
Numerical studies were verified against clinical trials, resulting in substantial changes in the head shape of a 4-month-old child, an expansion of the external cranial vault, and a measurable improvement in the cephalic index and overall skull geometry.
Conclusion
Based on this single-patient numerical case study, it is hypothesized that the design of craniosynostosis treatment planning can be configured to introduce personalized force into critical areas. The proposed alternative spring allocation suggests potential biomechanical advantages, including stress reduction and improved shape optimization. However, these findings serve as a proof-of-concept and require validation in larger clinical trials. Achieving a clinical effect that is sustained over time by reducing stress values can also be significant, because the bone remodeling process can be designed so that bones multiply along the direction of principal stresses, thereby allowing for the optimization of the skull shape envisioned by the neurosurgeon.
© 2026 Arkadiusz Szarek, Piotr Paszta, Dawid Larysz, Patrycja Larysz, published by Wroclaw University of Science and Technology
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.