Neurosurgery Department, UF College of Medicine
Craniosynostosis
The Department of Neurosurgery at UF provides a full range of pediatric neurosurgical services.
Several cases of craniosynostosis are treated each year at the University of Florida under the guidance of:
About Craniosynostosis
At birth the skull is made up of five bones held together by seams called sutures. The sutures remain open until age one to allow for brain growth. Craniosynostosis is a congenital anomaly caused by early closure of one or more of these sutures, resulting in limited or distorted head growth. Other names used for this condition are synostosis or cranial stenosis. In some cases, in addition to abnormal head shape, craniosynostosis can result in raised pressure inside the skull.
The infant skull consists of five plates of bone held together by clear, fibrous areas called sutures. The sutures should remain open as long as the brain continues to grow, enabling the skull to expand and properly accommodate the brain's growth.
When a suture closes, a predictable abnormality of head shape occurs. In certain children, changes around the eyes and face may occur because of fusion of the sutures in the cranial base. When this occurs, the child often has an associated craniofacial syndrome that must be diagnosed by a skilled geneticist
Symptoms
Parents and pediatricians will often note changes in the infant's head shape or premature closure of the fontanelles (soft spots).
There are several types of craniosynostosis:
|
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of craniosynostosis is usually made by a neurosurgeon based on physical examination of the child. Sometimes skull x-rays and 3D reconstructed CT scans are required, however this is not mandatory.
Treatment
Children with craniosynostosis need a genetic evaluation because of the strong association between this condition and several genetic syndromes, such as Apert's Syndrome and Crouzon's Syndrome. Surgical reconstruction of the cranial vault is performed by a craniofacial team that often involves neurosurgeons, plastic surgeons, and oral-maxillofacial surgeons. This usually involves removing the prematurely closed sutures and remodeling the skull bones to create a normal appearing head. Recent advancements have made this procedure less invasive with smaller incisions and less blood loss.
After surgery children will often need to be placed in a molded helmet to further guide skull development.
Prognosis
Most craniofacial centers have excellent cosmetic results. Sometimes children will need revision surgery as they grow older.
For more information, view this article , which appeared in Neurosurgical Focus:
Endoscopic-assisted repair of craniosynostosis 
(PDF file)
View other publications by Dr. David Pincus
return to patient care main page or diseases and conditions main page