For Craniosynostosis Timing and Type is Key

Craniosynostosis describes the premature fusion of sutures on a baby’s head. An infant or young baby’s skull is made of several bony plates which fuse along the suture lines by the time a child is 2 or 3 years old. Premature closing of a suture can cause the child to have an abnormally shaped head.

In mild cases, the brain will develop and function normally. However, in more severe cases, the premature fusion of the sutures can cause swelling, blindness, seizures and other complications. Fortunately, surgery for craniosynostosis has been effective and successful in relieving pressure, ensuring there is room for the brain to grow and improving the appearance of the head.

In a traditional surgery, incisions are made in the infant’s scalp and cranial bones. Then the affected area of the skull is reshaped, sometimes with plates and screws which may be absorbable. Immediate results are observed. Less invasive surgery is possible when the infant is less than 6 months old. Two small incisions are made and the sutures are separated. This approach allows the growing brain to shape the head normally, on its own. However, infants will also need a custom-made helmet to help with the shape and healing of the skull.

Types of Craniosynostosis:

·         Sagittal synostosis (scaphocephaly), the most common, affects the main suture on the top of the head. This allows for the head to grow long and narrow. It is more common in boys.

·         Frontal plagiocephaly, the next most common type, affects the suture that runs from ear to ear on the top of the head. It is more common in girls.

·         Metopic synostosis is a rare and affects the suture close to the forehead.

A misshapen head may not mean craniosynostosis. For example, a flat head may mean the baby is laid to sleep in the same position. See Plagiocephaly in the glossary of terms.

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