Craniosynostosis Overview

Craniosynostosis

Craniosynostosis is a birth defect that involves the premature closure of the fibrous joints between the skull growth plates. These are called cranial sutures, and if they fuse together too early – before the brain is fully formed – it can lead to a misshapen appearance of the head.

While it is possible for someone to be genetically predisposed to this situation, it is more often a spontaneously occurrence, usually as a result of an in-utero growth constraint.

At the Cleft & Craniofacial Institute of Utah we will work closely with you to make sure you understand your treatment options and how we can help.

Get Treatment for These Types of Craniosynostosis:

There are several different types of craniosynostosis, and at the Cleft & Craniofacial Institute of Utah we can provide treatment for:

• Sagittal
• Metopic
• Coronal
• Lambdoid
• Complex

Our Treatment Goals

The main goal of craniosynostosis surgery is to correct the head’s shape and give the brain a chance to grow and develop normally. However, if it is a very mild case, surgery may not even be necessary, and a special helmet may be all that is required to reshape the head.

Usually, neurological damage from one of these types of craniosynostosis only occurs in the most severe cases. Most children who have experienced this situation and have received surgical treatment will develop their cognitive abilities normally and the skull will continue to develop symmetrically.