What is craniosynostosis / craniofacial anomaly?
Craniosynostosis is a congenital birth defect that occurs when the skull sutures close prematurely in early infancy. The result is an abnormal head shape.

Normally, the bones in the skull are held together with sutures (fibrous joints) which allow the head to expand as it grows. When those sutures close prematurely, the resistance to growth causes the skull to grow improperly to accommodate the growing brain. Craniosynostosis may also affect growth of the facial bones, ears, and forehead.

What causes craniosynostosis?
Craniosynostosis is due to genetic factors and may be hereditary. Sometimes craniosynostosis is associated with other developmental problems.

How is craniosynostosis diagnosed?
Diagnosis of the condition can be made based on examining the child’s head. Other diagnostic techniques include:

• skull x-rays

• computerized tomography (CT or CAT scan) - a non-invasive procedure that takes cross-sectional images of the brain or other internal organs; to detect any abnormalities that may not show up on an ordinary x-ray.

Treatment for craniosynostosis:
Surgery is usually performed to improve the appearance of the head. Surgery may be necessary to relieve intracranial pressure and accommodate brain growth. The procedure involves releasing the fused sutures and cosmetically correcting any deformities.

Complications commonly associated with craniosynostosis:
Craniosynostosis may cause the following complications:

• headache
• vision loss
• developmental problems

Apert's Syndrome - The head usually appears short in the front and back and may be pointed at the top. Other characteristics may include webbed fingers and toes, widely spaced and protruding eyes, and dental crowding.

Carpenter Syndrome - This syndrome typically includes traits such as abnormally short fingers, webbed toes, extra toes, underdeveloped jaw, highly arched palate, widely spaced eyes, and/or low-set, deformed ears. Half of patients with Carpenter syndrome also have heart defects.

Cleft Palate / Cleft Lip - The incomplete closure of the lip and/or the roof of the mouth results in this defect.

Crouzon's Syndrome - Characterized by abnormalities in the skull and facial bones, this syndrome often causes the skull to be short in the front and the back. Flat cheek bones and a flat nose are also typical of this disorder.

Pfeiffer Syndrome - This rare disorder is characterized by abnormalities of the skull, hands, and feet.

Saethe-Chotzen - An unusually short or broad head is usually an indicator of this disorder. In addition, the eyes may be spaced wide apart and have droopy eyelids, and fingers may be abnormally short and webbed.

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