Craniosynostosis

Treated By Our Craniosynostosis Center

What is craniosynostosis?

Craniosynostosis is the premature closure of one or more sutures in the skull.  Cranial sutures are fibrous connections between adjacent skull bones that permit minor movements to take place during childbirth, brain growth and shock absorption.

In this birth defect, some or all of the sutures in the skull close too early, causing problems with normal brain and skull growth – which potentially can result in increased intracranial pressure and progressive head deformation. The earlier this fusion occurs, the greater its effects.
 
The frequency of craniosynostosis is estimated at one per 2,500 births.

What causes craniosynostosis?

Craniosynostosis is usually an isolated finding in an otherwise normal child. The precise causes vary and are incompletely understood. Most cases of craniosynostosis occur in families with no history of the condition. Several non-genetic factors have been implicated in the origins of craniosynostosis. In addition, mutations in several genes have recently been identified in certain forms of craniosynostosis.  A geneticist examines all infants and discuss with each family the chances of having another infant with craniosynostosis.

How is craniosynostosis treated?

Most cases require early surgery to prevent distortion of other craniofacial structures. However, mild degrees of craniosynostosis may not require surgery. Early diagnosis and treatment can have a great impact on the child’s psychosocial, neurocognitive and ophthalmological outcome.

For more information, please visit our Craniosynostosis Center.