Our son, Joshua, was born with a condition called Metopic Craniosynostosis.  Basically, the plates in his skull that were supposed to be free-floating until he reached 1-2 yrs. old were already fused before birth.  Because of this his skull wasn't able to expand to allow his precious little brain to develop and grow normally.  We were told that Joshua would have to have a very invasive 8-10 hour surgery where they would literally take his skull out of his head, cut it apart, and them put it back together with screws and plates.  He was extremely fussy and we were worried...But...God is good.  We caught a show on Good Morning America about a husband and wife team in Columbia Missouri (they have moved to San Antonio Texas) who had developed a relatively new endoscopic surgery.

He had this new break-through surgery only two weeks later!  Dr. Jimenez and Dr. Barnone, performed the surgery in less than an hour.  They took out a small sliver of bone through an incision only a little over 1/2 inch.  The procedure relieved all of the pressure and allowed his brain to begin to expand normally!  We could tell a vast difference immediately after surgery.  His eyes were no longer unusually close together and his hand eye coordination immediately improved. He lost less than a teaspoon of blood and was released from the hospital the next day.  Josh wore a molding helmet for 10 months to help his head regain a proper shape.  He's eight now and he's PERFECT.  He doesn't have any residual medical problems.  Instead of being speech delayed he is well ahead of other children his age.  He was second in his first grade class, he and the boy who finished first switched back and forth all year.  He is now in second grade and continues to be at the head of the class.  His motor development is also advanced.  We're so VERY THANKFUL for this endoscopic alternative.  We can't recommend it enough!  For more information on this remarkable surgery follow the links to Columbia of Missouri Health Care and the link to "Dr. Jimenez & dr. Barone today!" on our link page.  If you want to check the information on the web your web search should be for "endoscopic strip craniectomy".

Here's our precious little guy.  It's hard to believe that this little one had a head the shape of a football, was fussy, and was developing slowly.  The results of this surgery are nothing short of amazing.  For children that need this surgery, time is of the essence.  If you know of anyone battling this problem, please make sure they know about the endoscopic surgery.  Thanks to the diligent work of Dr. Jimenez, Dr. Barone, and their staff, many doctors around the nation are now doing this surgery.  Don't settle for the traditional surgery; your child, like Josh, deserves the very best modern medical science has to offer.

Craniosynostosis Links:

   Columbia University Hospital
This Hospital can help you if you are dealing with a baby with craniosynostosis. Their breakthrough surgery is remarkable! Dr. Jimenez and Dr. Barone are gifted physicians with a passion to help children with craniofacial deformities. They are assisted by a wonderful nursing staff. Thanks Missouri! Our son is healthy, beautiful, and highly intelligent! Start your own web search with Endoscopic Strip Craniectomy.

   Recent surgery at UM
Article: Recent SURGERY at UM.

   Dr. Jimenez & Dr. Barone today!
In 2004 Dr. Jimenez and Dr. Barone moved to University Hospital at San Antonio, TX.