Pathologies Craniosynostosis

Our team evaluates patients alongside specialized craniofacial plastic surgeons to achieve the best neurosurgical, functional, and aesthetic treatment.

Under normal conditions, fusion of the cranial sutures begins at age two and is complete by age eight. Craniosynostosis is defined as the premature closure of one (simple craniosynostosis) or several (complex craniosynostosis) cranial sutures, with the resulting deformity of the cranial vault, facial bone, and skull base. The type of craniosynostosis and its treatment are determined by the affected suture(s). Early diagnosis is very important, as optimal treatment is achieved within 6 to 18 months of a baby's life. The different types of craniosynostosis are:

• Scaphocephaly: elongated anteroposterior head, prominent forehead
• Anterior plagiocephaly: flattening of the forehead and orbit on one side
• Brachycephaly: flattening of the forehead and orbit on both sides
• Trigonocephaly: forehead with a triangular keel
• True posterior plagiocephaly: flattening of the posterior skull
• Turricephaly/Oxycephaly
• Skull in clover

Regarding clinical presentation, patients with simple craniosynostosis are generally asymptomatic, without symptoms of intracranial hypertension, as the total cranial volume is normal. However, they may present with some cognitive deficits. Patients with complex craniosynostosis may present with cognitive deficits, visual disturbances, and symptoms of intracranial hypertension.
Diagnosis is primarily clinical, but is completed with cranial X-rays as the initial study. However, in doubtful or complex cases, high-resolution CT with 3D reconstruction is necessary. This allows for the exclusion of associated malformations and a comprehensive analysis of the craniofacial structures.

Treatment is generally surgical, varying between different techniques to achieve the optimal craniofacial remodeling and reconstruction, individually tailored to each patient.
This allows for optimal neurosurgical, functional, and aesthetic results.
Positional posterior plagiocephaly (not true) does not present with early suture closure. The treatment is nonsurgical and consists of changing the baby's position or, if necessary, using an external orthosis (a cranial remodeling helmet). Successful results are achieved when treatment is started within the baby's first year of life.
If you have any questions, please contact our team as soon as possible.