Craniosynostosis - Types and Treatment
In children with craniosynostosis, the sutures or fibrous joints found between the bony plates in the head, close prematurely causing problems with normal brain and skull growth. In addition to building up pressure inside the skull, early closure of the sutures will make the head and facial bones lose symmetry and look abnormal. The recommended treatment for this birth defect is surgery. Early detection and effective treatment is crucial to treating the condition and reducing intracranial pressure and correcting the deformity.
Types of Craniosynostosis Sagittal Synostosis: Sagittal Synostosis or scaphocephaly is the most common type of craniosynostosis defect, characterized by a long and narrow head, with or without bulging in the front and back. This condition occurs when the suture in the midline of skull that runs right along the top of the head fuses early. Coronal Synostosis: Also known as anterior plagiocephaly, this condition is characterized by the flattening of forehead and brow at the affected side. It happens with the premature fusion of either the right or left side of the coronal suture. Metopic Synostosis: Metopic synostosis or trigoncephaly involves the premature fusion of the suture in the middle of the forehead. This condition is characterized by a narrow and triangular forehead with lateral pinching of temples. Multiple Suture Synostosis: In this condition, there are multiple types of sutures. The plastic surgeon will closely evaluate the child's X-rays or a CT scan to determine the type of defect and develop the appropriate treatment plan.
Treating Craniosynostosis The two common surgical procedures to correct the condition are: Endoscopic Synostosis Repair: This is a minimally invasive surgical method. An endoscope is used to view the affected suture through minute incisions in the scalp. A segment of bone is removed near the fused bone and in some other places, which
releases the fusion. A custom molding helmet is made after the first week after surgery, and the child is made to wear this for up to a year. Cranial Vault Remodeling: In this method, the correction of the shape of the head is done by moving the abnormally fused or prematurely fused area in the right manner to reshape the skull. It is usually performed on older children. Craniosynostosis can be detected at early at well-child visits which are an important part of a child's health care. Parents should consult a qualified, experienced board-certified plastic surgeon if they notice symptoms of the condition such as unusual shape of the head, unusual raised ridges on the scalp or poor growth of the child. It is relatively easy to find an AAAASF-accredited plastic surgery center with a skilled surgeon in Houston, Texas. Some established surgeons provide children with facial disfigurements treatment regardless of financial resources.