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Child's Nervous System

05-04-2024 | Craniosynostosis | Research

Sports participation after craniosynostosis repair: the critical role of post-operative guidance in parental decision-making

Authors: Neil Parikh, Kevin G. Hu, Omar Allam, Jacqueline M. Ihnat, Albert L. Rancu, Sam Boroumand, John A. Persing, Michael Alperovich

Published in: Child's Nervous System

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Abstract

Purpose

Despite previous research supporting patient safety in sports after craniosynostosis surgery, parental anxiety remains high. This study sought to evaluate the role of healthcare providers in guiding patients and families through the decision-making process.

Methods

Parents of children with repaired craniosynostosis were asked to assess sports involvement and parental decision-making in children ages 6 and older. Questions were framed primarily on 5-point Likert scales. Sport categorizations were made in accordance with the American Academy of Pediatrics. Chi-squared, linear regression, and Pearson correlation tests were used to analyze associations between the questions.

Results

Forty-three complete parental responses were recorded. Mean ages at surgery and time of sports entry were 7.93 ± 4.73 months and 4.76 ± 2.14 years, respectively. Eighty-two percent of patients participated in a contact sport. Discussions with the primary surgeon were more impactful on parental decisions about sports participation than those with other healthcare providers (4.04 ± 1.20 vs. 2.69 ± 1.32). Furthermore, children whose parents consulted with the primary surgeon began participating in sports at a younger age (4.0 ± 1.0 vs. 5.8 ± 2.7 years, p = 0.034). The mean comfort level with contact sports (2.8 ± 1.4) was lower than that with limited-contact (3.8 ± 1.1, p = 0.0001) or non-contact (4.4 ± 1.3, p < 0.0001) sports.

Conclusion

This study underscores the critical role that healthcare professionals, primarily surgeons, have in guiding families through the decision-making process regarding their children’s participation in contact sports.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Sports participation after craniosynostosis repair: the critical role of post-operative guidance in parental decision-making
Authors
Neil Parikh
Kevin G. Hu
Omar Allam
Jacqueline M. Ihnat
Albert L. Rancu
Sam Boroumand
John A. Persing
Michael Alperovich
Publication date
05-04-2024
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Child's Nervous System
Print ISSN: 0256-7040
Electronic ISSN: 1433-0350
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-024-06381-0