Surgery of Craniosynostosis and Related Midface Deformities. An Atlas and Step-By-Step Guide

This atlas offers a comprehensive overview of osteotomies performed on the calvaria and midface for both syndromic and non-syndromic craniosynostosis.

It presents a systematic approach, beginning with calvarial osteotomies. The author introduces a general type of osteotomy that can be applied for total vault remodeling in cases of total synostosis. These osteotomies can also be modified and used in single or combined synostoses. To shape the calvaria, the book describes the use of metal plates as a scaphold. These plates can be prebent on 3-D models and used to fix the segments after osteotomies. Following that, resorbable osteosynthesis is performed, and the metal plates are subsequently removed. This unique approach, combined with standardized osteotomies, ensures highly predictable results that are not currently described in textbooks. The book includes clinical examples for each type of synostosis and various combinations, including two-stage procedures and combinations with distraction techniques. These examples provide surgeons with a solid foundation for addressing different cases. In the chapter on midface osteotomies, the book explains the access and technique for performing the LeFort-III osteotomy using cadaver and clinical figures. It covers all types of LeFort-I to III osteotomies and their combinations through clinical cases. The book illustrates the osteotomies, osteosynthesis, distraction techniques, and combinations using clinical examples. Additionally, the book demonstrates the method of computer planning, the fabrication of osteotomy guides, and the use of preformed plates to define the position of the segments.

The book's primary objective is to serve as a surgical guide that transcends the boundaries of medical specialties. Given that this type of surgery is often performed by different specialists across institutions and countries, the book aims to facilitate cooperation and provide a practical application tool for surgeons beyond offering a clinical overview.

Univ. Prof. Dr. Michael Rasse embarked on his career in the 1980s at the University of Vienna, Austria, and completed his specialization in Maxillofacial Surgery in 1987. In 2000, he assumed the position of Director of the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery at the Hospital Wels, Austria. Recognizing his expertise and contributions, he was appointed University Professor for Maxillofacial Surgery and became the Director of the Clinic of Craniomaxillofacial Surgery at the Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria, in 2003.

Prof. Rasse was  a founding board member of the International Bone Research Association (IBRA) in 2004 and was engaged over many years in the Straßburg Osteosynthese research Group (SORG) and the AO-foundation. With a focus on 3D-Diagnostics, surgical planning, TMJ-traumatology, bone regeneration, and osseointegration, he has published over 150 scientific papers and contributed to 18 books.

Since his retirement from the University of Innsbruckin 2017, Prof. Rasse has continued to share his expertise as a consultant at the University Clinic of Maxillofacial Surgery in Salzburg, Austria. His remarkable achievements have been acknowledged as an esteemed Honorary Member of the German Society of General Surgeons.