Why Are Skull Reductions Done Using A Grid Pattern?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I have some questions about skull reduction. The height of my skull bothers me and I want it reduced. I read your blog and three procedures got my attention: grid pattern skull reduction, occipital skull reduction and sagittal crest reduction and I have the following questions: 

1. Are the occipital and sagittal crest procedures encompassed in the grid pattern skull procedure? If yes, then the first one is for someone who would like the entire skull to be reduced and the other two are for specific areas only? 

2. Is the technique used for reduction in all three the same or different? 

Thanks in advance. 

A: In answer to your skull reduction questions:

1) Sagittal crest reduction is reducing linear line of bone while occipital reductions are usually done by a grid or sunray technique.

2) In the end any form of skull reduction is done by a burring technique. The pattern by which the reductions are done is just a method to ensure an even bone reduction across generally what is a curved surface.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana