Email this pageCraniosynostosis
What is it?
Childs head not growing correctly causing the head to be shaped differently or smaller than normal.
Why does it happen?
At birth a baby’s skull is made up of many small bones. Between each bone section are sites know as “sutures”. The most noticeable suture is the Anterior Fontanel or “soft spot”. This is the area where four smaller bones meet.
As the brain grows the sutures allow for rapid expansion of the skull. It is the growth of the brain that determines head size and shape.
Normally the sutures close gradually in the first 2 years of life, but sometimes the sutures will close earlier than normal. When this happens the brain is forced to grow in different directions causing the shape of the dead to be distorted or malformed.
Why does it happen?
At birth a baby’s skull is made up of many small bones. Between each bone section are sites know as “sutures”. The most noticeable suture is the Anterior Fontanel or “soft spot”. This is the area where four smaller bones meet.
As the brain grows the sutures allow for rapid expansion of the skull. It is the growth of the brain that determines head size and shape.
Normally the sutures close gradually in the first 2 years of life, but sometimes the sutures will close earlier than normal. When this happens the brain is forced to grow in different directions causing the shape of the dead to be distorted or malformed.
How is it diagnosed?
The condition may be obvious just by physical examination but can also be confirmed with an x-ray or CT scan of the head.
Why surgery?
Rarely if the condition is not treated injury can occur to the brain. This is true in a minority of cases. If the craniosynostosis is untreated, the child will have a marked deformity to the skull and face. The majority of operations are performed in the first year of life.
Surgery is done by a craniofacial plastic surgeon and a neurosurgeon. The operation requires removal, recontouring and replacement of the skull. The bone is replaced and held in place with sutures, wires and screws. These materials are usually too small to be felt under the skin.
What are the risks?
- For healthy children with no major medical problems, risks are minimal. There may be a large blood loss that requires a transfusion. Operations are elective and if parents or a family member can donate blood prior to the surgery.
- Brain injury, weakness, seizures
- Wound infection
How long will I be in the hospital?
You will go home the same day as the surgery.
At Home:
Your child may need to wear a helmet for a year following surgery to help mold the skull for optimal head shape.
You will need to keep the suture line clean.
