Alternative Names
Premature closure of sutures
Definition of Craniosynostosis
Craniosynostosis is a congenital (present at birth) defect that causes one or more sutures on a baby’s head to close earlier than normal. Sutures are connections that separate each individual skull bones. The early closing of a suture leads to an abnormally shaped head.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
The cause of craniosynostosis is unknown. Which suture is involved determines the abnormal shape of the head.
Signs and tests
The doctor will feel the infant’s head and perform a physical exam. A neurological exam would also help diagnose the condition. The following tests may be performed:
Treatment
The main treatment for craniosynostosis is surgery. Surgery is done while the baby is still an infant. The goals of surgery are:
Expectations (prognosis)
How well a person does depends on how many sutures are involved and whether other defects are present. Patients who have surgery usually do well, especially those whose condition is not associated with a genetic syndrome.
Review
Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. – 11/2/2009
