Craniosynostosis
What is craniosynostosis?
Craniosynostosis is a birth defect in which the bones in a baby’s skull join together too early.
It occurs in 1 in every 2500 live births.
Clinical presentation:
It can lead to skull and facial deformity. Secondly, it causes intracranial hypertension(15% incidence). Also, it can result in neurodevelopmental delay(37% incidence) in children.
Diagnosis:
1. Clinical examination: Early clinical examination by a pediatrician is very important in an infant. He can raise a suspicion by examination of
- Skull shape
- Sutural ridging
- Size, shape, and tension of the fontanelles
- Face and hand abnormalities
- Cephalic index (the ratio of maximum breadth to maximum length of the skull).
2. CT with 3D reconstruction- the primary imaging technique.
3. MRI is reserved for patients in which CT reveals cerebral anomalies.
Surgical options :
- Open
- Endoscopic
When to operate?
- the earlier the operation the better
- best time is between 3 and 12 months of age
- for endoscopic repair- early intervention within the first 3 months of life along with helmet therapy.
Category:Craniosynostosis
