Craniosynostosis is a condition where the sutures in the skull close before the skull reached it's maturity. This is usually noticed within the first few months of the baby's life. There are different forms of Craniosynostosis that range from minor to severe. Some of the minor cases do not need to be corrected, and only cause minor visible deformities. When a child has Craniosynostosis then the skull will have an abnormal shape as it grows. The sutures of the skull allow for growth, so when a suture closes to early then the affected side will not grow and push the growing brain to the opposite side of the closed suture. Depending on which suture or how many sutures close to early, will determine the name of the condition, and will also determine the severity of the deformities. In severe cases the condition will require surgery to correct the deformities but the most important consideration is if the brain has enough room. If the brain is squeezed to tightly then it can cause intracranial pressure which can lead to a delay in development of the child or permanent brain damage.
When the sagittal sutures close to early then the condition is called Dolicocephaly and this will result in a long and narrowed skull. When the metopic sutures close then that will result in Trigonocephaly and is noticeable because the forehead will appear pointed. When the coronal suture closes unilateral it is termed Plagiocephaly and results in an asymmetric skull. Trigonocephaly is the most common form of Craniosynostosis and occurs in about 1 out of 2500 births. When the coronal suture closes bilaterally then the condition is called Crouzon syndrome. Crouzon syndrome is the only form of Craniosynostosis with a 50% chance of recurrence in the next generation. All other forms only have a 0 to 4% recurrence rate. Brachicephaly is the term used when the bi coronal suture closes early, and this can result in a short appearance of the skull. Plagiocephaly is the term used when the lambdoid suture closes early and this also results in an asymmetrical skull.
To verify the condition, and to plan operative procedures, the head is scanned with CT and sometimes 3D MRI images are reconstructed to guide and plan the corrective surgery.
The causes for Craniosynostosis are still unclear but some baby's are born with the condition and others develop it.
In this image the metopic suture closed and this is termed trigonocephaly.
This is a 3D CT image of a closed metopic suture.
Images are curtesy of http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1281182-overview
The information came from: http://www.ccakids.com/syndrome/craniosynostosis.pdf
Very intereting. I have not worked with children much even though I have been an MRI tech for 18 years. The pictures were great.
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