Craniosynostosis: Difference between revisions
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{{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.]] | |||
[[File: | [[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. | '''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== | ==Types== | ||
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. | 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=== | ===Sagittal synostosis=== | ||
[[File:Single_suture_synostosis.png | [[File:Single_suture_synostosis.png|thumb|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]]. | 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=== | ===Coronal synostosis=== | ||
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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]]. | 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=== | ===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]]. | 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== | ==Causes== | ||
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Apert syndrome involves craniosynostosis, syndactyly (fusion of fingers and toes), and other skeletal abnormalities. | Apert syndrome involves craniosynostosis, syndactyly (fusion of fingers and toes), and other skeletal abnormalities. | ||
===Carpenter syndrome=== | ===Carpenter syndrome=== | ||
Carpenter syndrome is a rare condition that includes craniosynostosis, obesity, and other skeletal abnormalities. | Carpenter syndrome is a rare condition that includes craniosynostosis, obesity, and other skeletal abnormalities. | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
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. | 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== | ==Treatment== | ||
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. | 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== | ==Prognosis== | ||
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[[Category:Pediatrics]] | [[Category:Pediatrics]] | ||
[[Category:Genetic disorders]] | [[Category:Genetic disorders]] | ||
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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.


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]

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]

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.


