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Pediatric Cleft and Craniofacial Center
What is Craniosynostosis?
Craniosynostosis,
or premature closure of the cranial sutures, occurs when the
bones
in a baby's skull fuse together
before the brain has stopped growing. This can happen before
the
baby is born or in the first few months of life. When these growth
plates fuse together prematurely, deformity can occur due to
restricting
expansion of the skull. When the growth is restricted in a certain
direction, the brain will push outward in an alternative direction
of least resistance and result in skull deformity. This results
in a misshapen skull and face. The characteristic patterns of
deformity caused by craniosynostosis are readily recognized by
the trained eye, even without imaging studies. Nevertheless,
a three
dimensional CAT scan is often performed.
Causes
of Craniosynostosis
This condition has several possible causes, including:
Craniosynostosis can also occur sporadically, with no known cause
or related condition. These cases typically involve a single fusion,
whereas cases related to syndromes will be more complex, involving
the fusion of several sutures, as well as other conditions. In
the case of either sporadic or syndromic occurrences, there are
no known causes or risk factors.
The
goal of the modern surgical treatment of craniosynostosis is
the definitive and long-term correction of the face and skull
deformity.
We are fortunate at Golisano Children’s’ Hospital
to be able to offer the newest and minimally-invasive techniques
for repair of craniosynostosis. If your child is diagnosed early
enough,