The sunrise technique: The correction of occipital plagiocephaly using bandeau occipital plate and radial osteotomies

Posterior plagiocephaly secondary to lambdoid suture stenosis requires surgical release and repair to prevent progressive deformational changes associated with a suture stenosis. A surgical technique is described for release of the stenosed lambdoid suture and asterion region, followed by occipital reconstruction. This technique provides excellent cosmetic results. Using a standard biparietal incision, most of the occipital bone is removed en bloc. The asymmetric occiput is then reconstructed using an autologous bone bandeau and Marchac forehead template graft. The remaining bone is cut into longitudinal strips and placed in a centrifugal fashion around this construct. This technique creates a stable unit that provides immediate symmetry to the occipital area. The operative time and blood loss are comparable to that of similar procedures. With this technique there have been no complications or need for reoperation.