Craniosynostosis

Abstract

Craniosynostosis is the premature fusion of one or more of the cranial sutures. About 8% of the patients have familial or syndromic forms of synostosis, and in the remainder it occurs as a spontaneous isolated defect. Familial craniosynostosis syndromes are typically transmitted as an autosomal dominant trait resulting in disruption of the fibroblast growth factor receptor pathway. Familiarity with the characteristic head shapes resulting from craniosynostosis allows bedside diagnosis and differentiation from positional plagiocephaly. Because of the risks associated with untreated craniosynostosis, surgical treatment is usually undertaken soon after diagnosis. Current surgical methods include open calvarial reconstruction, minimally invasive strip craniectomy with use of postoperative molding helmet, minimally invasive strip craniectomy with spring implantation, and cranial distraction. Early referral to a pediatric craniofacial center allows all treatment options to be explored.

A Review of Craniosynostosis in Communication Disorders Practice and its Effect on my Family

“…The overall cause of craniosynostosis is unknown. Craniosynostosis affects 1 in every 2,500 children and occurs equally in males and females [1,2].…”

“…There are four main sutures of the skull: sagittal, coronal, metopic, and lambdoid [1,4]. Each of four major types of craniosynostosis is named after the location of the premature fused suture.…”

“…Most common types of craniosynostosis are non-syndromic primary craniosynostosis [1,2,4]. The cause is unknown, but there are assumptions of fetal position in the womb or valproic acid during pregnancy may increase likelihood.…”

Craniosynostosis: prenatal diagnosis by 2D/3D ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography.

“…In order to avoid craniosynostosis related complications, children are usually treated surgically by a multispecialist team to unlock and reshape the cranial bones [4]. Surgical correction of craniosynostosis may not alter the mental retardation [53].…”

“…Cloverleaf and oxycephaly occur due to closure of multiple sutures [2]. Single-suture nonsyndromic synostosis comprises approximately 80% of craniosynostosis [3][4][5]. The frequency of the sutures involved is: sagittal, 40 to 58%; coronal 20 to 29%; metopic 4 to 10% and lambdoid 2 to 4% [1].…”