Craniosynostosis: A Treatable Condition
At the International Craniofacial Institute, we treat various types of craniosynostosis. Craniosynostosis involves a premature fusion or closure of the cranial sutures in children. Craniosynostosis can occur along a single suture line or several suture lines. The primary feature of craniosynostosis is that of a misshapen head. When children have craniosynostosis, pressure on the brain can occur and can be harmful to its growth and development.
Craniosynostosis should be repaired before damage to the brain occurs in the young children afflicted with the condition. In the clinic, Dr. Kenneth Salyer and Dr. David Genecov see children in consultation for craniosynostosis. After the evaluation, a CT scan is performed to prove the exact nature of the craniosynostosis. After the completed evaluation, the doctor will talk to the parents about the sutures involved in craniosynostosis and about the recommended treatment for the craniosynostosis the child has.
Scope of Craniosynostosis
Craniosynostosis can be isolated or associated with other syndromes. Examples of syndromic craniosynostosis include Apert, Crouzon's, Pfeiffer, Carpenter, Saethre-Chotzen and Keeblattschadel Syndromes. The severity of the craniosynostosis depends on the syndrome and on the child. Our doctors will explain the nature of the craniosynostosis and the methods of treatment for the various types of craniosynostosis.
Should you decide to have your child treated for craniosynostosis, a surgery date will be scheduled. Your child will have a preoperative examination to see if he or she is healthy enough for craniosynostosis surgery. On the day of the craniosynostosis procedure, the doctors will mark areas on the child's head which are involved in craniosynostosis and then will proceed with surgery.
After the craniosynostosis surgery is over, your child's head will be bandaged and he or she will be monitored for potential surgery complications. When the child is stable after the craniosynostosis procedure, his or her head should look more normal and the brain and skull should grow in an acceptable fashion.
In rare situations, craniosynostosis surgery may need to be done in stages. The more serious sutures are released at first and the other, less serious sutures will be addressed in surgery later. If the child has more than just craniosynostosis, other facial procedures may also need to be done. Generally, it is less important to do the facial surgeries than it is to perform the craniosynostosis procedures, because of the impact of craniosynostosis on the growth and development of the brain.