About Craniosynostosis

Craniosynostosis is one of the most common physical deformities of a newborn, occurring in about 1 in every 2,000 births. Craniosynostosis is a congenital birth defect, characterized by the premature closure of one or more sutures, which causes an abnormally shaped skull. The skull is normally composed of bones, which are separated by sutures. These sutures generally close between the first and third year of age. As an infant’s brain grows, open sutures allow them to expand and develop a relatively normal head shape. If one or more sutures close early, a developing skull will expand in the direction of the open sutures or the remaining paths it has available. This often results in an abnormal head shape and, in severe cases, places excessive and damaging amounts of pressure on a growing brain.

The cause of Craniosynostosis is unknown. It can be hereditary, it can be caused by a genetic defect, or it can occur sporadically in a family with no other affected relatives, as in the case with Jorge Luís Posada. Early and accurate diagnosis of the condition is essential. The primary treatment for Craniosynotosis during infancy is surgery, The surgery should be performed while the infant is six to nine months old and there are three goals that it should accomplish: first, to relieve intracranial pressure; second, to assure that the skull has the capacity to accommodate the brain’s growth; and third, to attempt to cosmetically improve the appearance of the child’s head. While the deformity may vary from mild to severe, the psychological effect of a noticeably misshapen forehead, face, and head can cause great problems and is a very important reason for seeking treatment.

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