A Decade of Craniosynostosis Surgery in the United States: Trends in Management, Payer Mix, and Cost
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Cranial vault remodeling (CVR) and endoscopic strip craniectomy (SC) are principal operations for nonsyndromic craniosynostosis. Over the past decade, evolving minimally invasive techniques and shifting payer landscapes may have influenced national practice patterns. We evaluated trends in surgical utilization, payer mix, and cost across US children's hospitals from 2016 to 2025. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the Pediatric Health Information System identified infants with craniosynostosis who underwent CVR or SC between 2016 and 2025 using ICD and CPT codes. Demographics, payer type, and inflation-adjusted cost were compared. Annual trends in utilization, payer mix, and cost were analyzed with linear regression. RESULTS: Among 15,335 infants, 13,329 underwent CVR and 2006 SC. Strip craniectomy patients were younger (95 versus 280 d, P
Fields of Study & Subjects
Craniofacial Disorders and Treatments
Cleft Lip and Palate Research
Traumatic Brain Injury and Neurovascular Disturbances
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Journal of Craniofacial Surgery
- Publisher
- Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
- Volume
- 37
- Issue
- 6
- Pages
- 1518–1522
- Publication date
- 30 January 2026
- Language
- EN