Craniosynostosis: Difference between revisions

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{{SI}}
{{Infobox medical condition
| name            = Craniosynostosis
| image          = [[File:Cranialsynostosis.jpg|250px]]
| caption        = A child with craniosynostosis
| field          = [[Neurosurgery]], [[Pediatrics]]
| symptoms        = [[Abnormal head shape]], [[developmental delay]]
| complications  = [[Increased intracranial pressure]], [[visual impairment]], [[hearing loss]]
| onset          = [[Infancy]]
| duration        = [[Lifelong]]
| causes          = [[Genetic mutations]], [[environmental factors]]
| risks          = [[Family history]], [[advanced paternal age]]
| diagnosis      = [[Physical examination]], [[imaging studies]]
| differential    = [[Positional plagiocephaly]], [[hydrocephalus]]
| prevention      = None
| treatment      = [[Surgery]], [[helmet therapy]]
| prognosis      = Generally good with treatment
| frequency      = 1 in 2,000 to 2,500 live births
}}
{{Short description|A condition in which one or more of the fibrous sutures in an infant skull prematurely fuses.}}
{{Short description|A condition in which one or more of the fibrous sutures in an infant skull prematurely fuses.}}
 
[[File:Carpenter_Syndrome_1.jpg|left|thumb|Patient with Carpenter syndrome.]]
'''Craniosynostosis''' is a congenital condition characterized by the premature fusion of one or more of the [[cranial sutures]], the fibrous joints between the bones of the [[skull]]. This early fusion restricts the growth of the skull and can lead to an abnormal head shape, increased intracranial pressure, and potential developmental delays.
[[File:Osseous_Deformity_Case_1.jpg|thumb|Osseous deformity due to untreated craniosynostosis.]]
 
'''Craniosynostosis''' is a birth defect in which the bones in a baby’s skull join together too early. This happens before the baby’s brain is fully formed. As the baby’s brain grows, the skull can become more misshapen. The spaces between a typical baby’s skull bones are filled with flexible material and called [[sutures]]. These sutures allow the skull to grow as the baby’s brain grows. When one or more of the sutures closes too early, it changes the growth pattern of the skull.
==Pathophysiology==
==Types==
The human skull is composed of several bones that are separated by sutures. These sutures allow the skull to expand as the brain grows during infancy and childhood. In craniosynostosis, one or more of these sutures close prematurely, which can affect the shape of the head and the growth of the brain.
Craniosynostosis can affect one or more of the sutures in a baby’s skull. The types of craniosynostosis are named according to the sutures involved.
 
===Sagittal synostosis===
===Types of Craniosynostosis===
[[File:Single_suture_synostosis.png|thumb|Diagram of single suture synostosis.]]
Craniosynostosis can be classified based on the specific sutures that are affected:
The most common type of craniosynostosis is sagittal synostosis. It affects the suture that runs from front to back at the top of the skull. This causes the head to grow long and narrow, a condition known as [[scaphocephaly]].
 
===Coronal synostosis===
* '''[[Sagittal synostosis]]''': The most common form, where the sagittal suture fuses, leading to a long, narrow head shape known as scaphocephaly.
Coronal synostosis affects one or both of the sutures that run from ear to the top of the skull. If one suture is affected, it is called unilateral coronal synostosis, leading to [[plagiocephaly]]. If both sutures are affected, it is called bilateral coronal synostosis, leading to [[brachycephaly]].
* '''[[Coronal synostosis]]''': Premature fusion of one or both coronal sutures, resulting in a short, wide head shape called brachycephaly if bilateral, or plagiocephaly if unilateral.
===Metopic synostosis===
* '''[[Metopic synostosis]]''': Fusion of the metopic suture, causing a triangular forehead and a condition known as trigonocephaly.
Metopic synostosis affects the suture that runs from the top of the head down the middle of the forehead, toward the nose. This can cause a triangular-shaped forehead, known as [[trigonocephaly]].
* '''[[Lambdoid synostosis]]''': The rarest form, involving the lambdoid suture, leading to a flat head shape at the back.
===Lambdoid synostosis===
 
Lambdoid synostosis is the rarest form and affects the suture at the back of the head. It can cause the head to flatten on one side, leading to [[posterior plagiocephaly]].
==Clinical Presentation==
==Causes==
The clinical presentation of craniosynostosis varies depending on the sutures involved. Common signs include:
The exact cause of craniosynostosis is not known. It can occur as an isolated condition or as part of a syndrome. Genetic factors may play a role, and certain mutations have been associated with syndromic craniosynostosis.
 
==Syndromic craniosynostosis==
* Abnormal head shape
Craniosynostosis can be part of a genetic syndrome. Some of the syndromes associated with craniosynostosis include:
* Asymmetry of the face
===Crouzon syndrome===
* Developmental delays
[[File:Patient_with_Crouzon_syndrome_(1912).jpg|left|thumb|Patient with Crouzon syndrome.]]
* Increased intracranial pressure, which can cause irritability, vomiting, and visual disturbances
Crouzon syndrome is characterized by the premature fusion of certain skull bones, leading to abnormal head shape, facial anomalies, and sometimes [[exophthalmos]].
 
===Apert syndrome===
Apert syndrome involves craniosynostosis, syndactyly (fusion of fingers and toes), and other skeletal abnormalities.
===Carpenter syndrome===
Carpenter syndrome is a rare condition that includes craniosynostosis, obesity, and other skeletal abnormalities.
==Diagnosis==
==Diagnosis==
Diagnosis of craniosynostosis is typically made through a combination of physical examination and imaging studies. [[Computed tomography]] (CT) scans are often used to confirm the diagnosis and to assess the extent of suture fusion.
Diagnosis of craniosynostosis is typically made through physical examination and imaging studies such as [[X-ray]] or [[CT scan]]. These imaging techniques can help determine which sutures are affected and the extent of the condition.
 
==Treatment==
==Management==
Treatment often involves surgery to correct the shape of the skull and allow for normal brain growth. The timing and type of surgery depend on the severity of the condition and the sutures involved.
The primary treatment for craniosynostosis is surgical intervention. The goals of surgery are to correct the shape of the skull, relieve any increased intracranial pressure, and allow for normal brain growth. Surgical options include:
 
* '''Cranial vault remodeling''': Reshaping the bones of the skull to allow for normal growth.
* '''Endoscopic strip craniectomy''': A minimally invasive procedure that involves removing the fused suture to allow the skull to expand.
 
==Prognosis==
==Prognosis==
With early diagnosis and appropriate surgical treatment, most children with craniosynostosis can achieve normal brain development and head shape. However, ongoing monitoring is essential to manage any potential complications.
With early diagnosis and treatment, most children with craniosynostosis can have normal cognitive development and a good quality of life. However, untreated craniosynostosis can lead to increased intracranial pressure and developmental delays.
 
==See also==
==Related pages==
* [[Suture (joint)]]
* [[Skull]]
* [[Skull]]
* [[Suture (joint)]]
* [[Congenital disorder]]
* [[Congenital disorder]]
* [[Neurosurgery]]
[[Category:Congenital disorders]]
[[Category:Congenital disorders]]
[[Category:Neurosurgery]]
[[Category:Pediatrics]]
[[Category:Genetic disorders]]
{{stub}}

Latest revision as of 00:21, 27 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Craniosynostosis
Synonyms N/A
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Abnormal head shape, developmental delay
Complications Increased intracranial pressure, visual impairment, hearing loss
Onset Infancy
Duration Lifelong
Types N/A
Causes Genetic mutations, environmental factors
Risks Family history, advanced paternal age
Diagnosis Physical examination, imaging studies
Differential diagnosis Positional plagiocephaly, hydrocephalus
Prevention None
Treatment Surgery, helmet therapy
Medication N/A
Prognosis Generally good with treatment
Frequency 1 in 2,000 to 2,500 live births
Deaths N/A


A condition in which one or more of the fibrous sutures in an infant skull prematurely fuses.


Patient with Carpenter syndrome.
Osseous deformity due to untreated craniosynostosis.

Craniosynostosis is a birth defect in which the bones in a baby’s skull join together too early. This happens before the baby’s brain is fully formed. As the baby’s brain grows, the skull can become more misshapen. The spaces between a typical baby’s skull bones are filled with flexible material and called sutures. These sutures allow the skull to grow as the baby’s brain grows. When one or more of the sutures closes too early, it changes the growth pattern of the skull.

Types[edit]

Craniosynostosis can affect one or more of the sutures in a baby’s skull. The types of craniosynostosis are named according to the sutures involved.

Sagittal synostosis[edit]

Diagram of single suture synostosis.

The most common type of craniosynostosis is sagittal synostosis. It affects the suture that runs from front to back at the top of the skull. This causes the head to grow long and narrow, a condition known as scaphocephaly.

Coronal synostosis[edit]

Coronal synostosis affects one or both of the sutures that run from ear to the top of the skull. If one suture is affected, it is called unilateral coronal synostosis, leading to plagiocephaly. If both sutures are affected, it is called bilateral coronal synostosis, leading to brachycephaly.

Metopic synostosis[edit]

Metopic synostosis affects the suture that runs from the top of the head down the middle of the forehead, toward the nose. This can cause a triangular-shaped forehead, known as trigonocephaly.

Lambdoid synostosis[edit]

Lambdoid synostosis is the rarest form and affects the suture at the back of the head. It can cause the head to flatten on one side, leading to posterior plagiocephaly.

Causes[edit]

The exact cause of craniosynostosis is not known. It can occur as an isolated condition or as part of a syndrome. Genetic factors may play a role, and certain mutations have been associated with syndromic craniosynostosis.

Syndromic craniosynostosis[edit]

Craniosynostosis can be part of a genetic syndrome. Some of the syndromes associated with craniosynostosis include:

Crouzon syndrome[edit]

Patient with Crouzon syndrome.

Crouzon syndrome is characterized by the premature fusion of certain skull bones, leading to abnormal head shape, facial anomalies, and sometimes exophthalmos.

Apert syndrome[edit]

Apert syndrome involves craniosynostosis, syndactyly (fusion of fingers and toes), and other skeletal abnormalities.

Carpenter syndrome[edit]

Carpenter syndrome is a rare condition that includes craniosynostosis, obesity, and other skeletal abnormalities.

Diagnosis[edit]

Diagnosis of craniosynostosis is typically made through physical examination and imaging studies such as X-ray or CT scan. These imaging techniques can help determine which sutures are affected and the extent of the condition.

Treatment[edit]

Treatment often involves surgery to correct the shape of the skull and allow for normal brain growth. The timing and type of surgery depend on the severity of the condition and the sutures involved.

Prognosis[edit]

With early diagnosis and treatment, most children with craniosynostosis can have normal cognitive development and a good quality of life. However, untreated craniosynostosis can lead to increased intracranial pressure and developmental delays.

See also[edit]

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