How successful is craniosynostosis surgery?

The data support this: in 2020 alone, more than 50 craniosynostosis procedures have been performed, with a success rate of 99%, relatively fast recovery times, and hardly any complications.

How long does it take to recover from craniosynostosis surgery?

The bones will be healed 6 weeks after surgery but trauma to the head should be avoided. Parents sometimes notice small areas of swelling 8-12 months after surgery as the plates begin to dissolve. Patients undergoing surgery for craniosynostosis are typically seen annually by their surgeons until they are done growing.

Is craniosynostosis surgery necessary?

Though not always necessary, there is surgical treatment to correct craniosynostosis. Craniosynostosis surgery allows the bones' shapes to improve. It is also occasionally required to reduce pressure buildup in the skull. In some cases, the surgery may facilitate neurological development.

Is craniosynostosis surgery brain surgery?

Surgery for craniosynostosis is designed to correct the abnormal head shape and allow the growing brain room to expand normally. The surgery for craniosynostosis is typically performed in the first two years of life.

What is the prognosis for craniosynostosis?

The prognosis for craniosynostosis varies depending on whether single or multiple cranial sutures are involved or other abnormalities are present. The prognosis is better for those with single suture involvement and no associated abnormalities.

Sagittal Craniosynostosis Surgery

How Safe Is surgery for craniosynostosis?

The surgery is very safe and produces excellent results. There are several surgical options for treating craniosynostosis, depending on which type it is. It's usually best to perform surgery at just a few weeks to a few months of age, since the skull bones are the softest and most malleable then.

How serious is craniosynostosis in babies?

Each baby born with craniosynostosis is different, and the condition can range from mild to severe. Most babies with craniosynostosis are otherwise healthy.

Does craniosynostosis cause mental retardation?

Chi-square analysis showed no significant differences between rates of retardation or learning disorders based on surgical status. Conclusions: Most children with nonsyndromic craniosynostosis obtain developmental quotients within the normal range in infancy.

Can craniosynostosis come back after surgery?

Re-synostosis after standard surgical procedures for nonsyndromic craniosynostosis is a rare event, which can occur at the same suture or rarely in adjacent sutures.

Does craniosynostosis get worse with age?

The deformity usually gets even more noticeable over time. The head shape depends on the location of the fused skull suture. For example, in the most common type, sagittal synostosis, the skull becomes long and narrow with a broad forehead and a pointy shape in the back.

Why do babies get craniosynostosis?

Syndromic craniosynostosis is caused by certain genetic syndromes, such as Apert syndrome, Pfeiffer syndrome or Crouzon syndrome, which can affect a baby's skull development. These syndromes usually also include other physical features and health problems.

Does craniosynostosis hurt?

In general, craniosynostosis is not a painful condition. However, if there is increased pressure on the brain, it can cause: Abnormalities affecting the face and hands. Headaches.

Is craniosynostosis rare?

Craniosynostosis is common and occurs in one out of 2,200 live births. The condition affects males slightly more often than females. Craniosynostosis is most often sporadic (occurs by chance) but can be inherited in some families.

Does craniosynostosis cause developmental delays or Behaviour problems?

Matthew Speltz's team published results indicating that school-age children with the most common form of craniosynostosis are more likely to suffer developmental delays and learning problems than children who don't have the disorder.

Does craniosynostosis surgery leave scars?

The incisions will still be made within the hair-bearing portions of the scalp to make the scars less noticeable after surgery.

At what age is craniosynostosis diagnosed?

Slight imperfections in your baby's head are normal, especially in the first month after birth. But as your baby grows, a misshapen head could be a sign of something else. The earlier you can get a diagnosis—ideally, before the age of 6 months—the more effective treatment can be.

How do you fix craniosynostosis?

An x-ray or computed tomography (CT) scan can be used to diagnose craniosynostosis. Surgery is usually needed to correct it. Surgery frees the sutures that are fused. It also reshapes the brow, eye sockets, and skull as needed.

Is craniosynostosis covered by insurance?

Surgery for craniosynostosis is a reconstructive procedure and therefore is usually paid for by health insurance. While this procedure often has cosmetic benefits, these are considered secondary to the need to create extra space for the growing brain.

What doctor treats craniosynostosis?

Craniosynostosis requires evaluation by specialists, such as a pediatric neurosurgeon or a specialist in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Diagnosis of craniosynostosis may include: Physical exam.

Can a baby with craniosynostosis live a normal life?

Key points about craniosynostosis

Craniosynostosis usually occurs by chance. The first and only symptoms are usually changes in the shape of the baby's head and face. Surgery is usually the recommended treatment. Most children who have surgery early live healthy lives.

Can kids with craniosynostosis play sports?

OBJECTIVE Craniosynostosis (CS) affects about 1 in 2500 infants and is predominantly treated by surgical intervention in infancy. Later in childhood, many of these children wish to participate in sports. However, the safety of participation is largely anecdotal and based on surgeon experience.

What are the long term effects of craniosynostosis?

If left untreated, craniosynostosis can lead to serious complications, including: Head deformity, possibly severe and permanent. Increased pressure on the brain. Seizures.

Does craniosynostosis run in families?

Craniosynostosis is often noticeable at birth, but can also be diagnosed in older children. This condition sometimes runs in families, but most often it occurs randomly.

What gene causes craniosynostosis?

Genes most commonly mutated in craniosynostosis are FGFR2, FGFR3, TWIST1 and EFNB1. As well as being associated with syndromes, some clinically non-syndromic synostosis (usually affecting the coronal suture) can be caused by single gene mutations, particularly the Pro250Arg mutation in FGFR3.

How long does it take for a baby's skull to fuse?

It can take 9-18 months before a baby's skull is fully formed. During this time some babies develop positional plagiocephaly. This means that there is a flat area on the back or side of the head. Positional plagiocephaly does not affect brain growth or development; it is purely a shape issue.