Reasons To Opt For Craniosynostosis Surgery

Posted by CAPPS Kids on January 4th, 2016

A normal child's skull has several bones which should not fuse until during infancy, giving the baby's brain time to grow. With the help of joints called cranial sutures, made of strong, fibrous tissue these bones are held together. These sutures intersect in the front portion of child's skull which is a soft spot on top of the head. These sutures usually remain flexible until the bones fuse. However early signs of Craniosynostosis such as a misshapen skull with shape depending on which of the cranial sutures are affected. Moreover sometimes, there is an abnormal feeling or disappearance of the soft spot on the baby's skull. These and many such signs of craniosynostosis are at times, not noticeable at birth, but they become apparent during the first few months of the baby's life.

There are several different types of craniosynostosis where craniosynostosis Surgery is required. The most common type craniosynostosis includes:

Sagittal synostosis which is a premature fusion of the suture at the top of the head (sagittal suture) that forces the head to grow long and narrow, rather than wide. It is the most common type of craniosynostosis.
Coronal synostosis- is premature fusion of a coronal suture - one of the structures that run from each ear to the sagittal suture on top of the head. It forces baby's forehead to flatten on the affected side. It may also raise the eye socket and cause a deviated nose and slanted skull.
Bicoronal synostosis is a condition where both of the coronal sutures fuse prematurely, giving baby a flat, elevated forehead and brow.
Metopic synostosis is a condition where the metopic suture runs from your baby's nose to the sagittal suture. Premature fusion gives the scalp a triangular appearance.
Lambdoid synostosis is a rare form of craniosynostosis which involves the lambdoid suture, which runs across the skull near the back of the head. It may cause flattening of your baby's head on the affected side.

A misshapen head alone, is not the indication of craniosynostosis. Expert opinion is essential before arriving to the conclusion. Sometimes a misshapen head is Deformational Plagiocephaly. Plagiocephaly treatment includes tummy time, orthotic management and helmets to correct the shape of a baby's head.

To learn more about plagiocephaly and treatments available to your infant, visit Cappskids.org a Specialist Directory and Condition Specific Telehealth Provider. You will get all the information about getting a second opinion, finding specialists for Craniosynostosis, treatment options and cranial band providers at Cappskids.org or call 1-888-572-5526.

Like it? Share it!

About the Author

CAPPS Kids
Joined: December 8th, 2015
Articles Posted: 2

More by this author

Plagiocephaly Treatment And How To Keep Your Baby's Head From Becoming Misshapen