Vietnam Central Children's Hospital adopts skull‑expansion technique for rare cranial defect

Doctors at the Central Children's Hospital in Vietnam have introduced a complex frontal‑orbital skull‑expansion method that lengthens the cranial bones by about 1 mm each day. The technique targets children born with early unilateral coronal suture fusion, a rare congenital condition that causes asymmetrical facial development and can lead to vision problems, nasal deviation, and increased intracranial pressure.

The procedure replaces extensive frontal‑orbital advancement surgery. After a precise initial operation to place the expansion device, the apparatus is adjusted twice daily (0.5 mm each time) until an average total distraction of 30 mm is achieved. The device then remains fixed for roughly three months to allow new bone to mature before removal. To date, 11 pediatric patients have undergone the treatment successfully, showing notable improvements in facial symmetry and reduced risk of long‑term complications.