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View our privacy policyCraniosynostosis is a condition in which one or more of the joints in a baby’s skull close too early, which can affect head shape as the skull grows. It is a rare condition affecting around 1 in 1,800 to 1 in 2,000 babies in the UK.
Craniosynostosis is when one or more of the joints in your baby’s skull close too early as the skull develops.
When your baby is born, their skull is made up of soft bony plates separated by gaps called sutures. These sutures gradually change as children grow. Timing varies, and your specialist team can explain what this means for your baby.
Craniosynostosis occurs when one or more of the sutures close too early, either before or after birth. This can affect the way the skull grows and may cause your baby’s head shape to look uneven or different in appearance.
Early assessment by a specialist medical team is important so that families can be advised on the most appropriate next steps at the right time.
There are different types of craniosynostosis, depending on which parts of the skull are affected. The three main types are:
In sagittal craniosynostosis, the head shape may appear long and narrow from front to back, with a more prominent forehead or back of the head. You may also notice a ridge along the top of your baby’s head.
In metopic craniosynostosis, the suture in the middle of the forehead closes too early, which can make the forehead appear pointed or triangular. The eyes may appear closer together, and the brow shape may be affected.
In unicoronal craniosynostosis, one of the sutures on the side of the head closes too early, which can cause flattening on one side of the forehead. The brow on that side may appear less prominent, while the other side of the forehead may look more pronounced. The face and skull may also appear uneven.
The causes of craniosynostosis are not always fully understood. In some cases, it can be linked to genetic conditions such as Crouzon syndrome or Apert syndrome. In other cases, there is no clear cause or family history.
Management of craniosynostosis is usually led by a specialist medical team and often involves surgery. The type of surgery depends on the form and severity of the craniosynostosis. Early assessment by a specialist team helps ensure the most appropriate care pathway is in place.
After surgery, some babies may be referred for post-surgical helmet therapy to support head shape management as the skull continues to grow. We provide bespoke cranial remoulding helmets, such as the LOC Cranioband Lite, with regular follow-up appointments and adjustments as your baby grows.
We receive referrals for babies who have undergone craniosynostosis surgery at Great Ormond Street Hospital and require a bespoke post-surgical helmet. The helmet is similar to the one used for positional plagiocephaly, but includes different design features. We also accept referrals from other hospitals carrying out the same endoscopic procedure.
See post-surgical helmet therapy for craniosynostosis
The advanced, 3D-printed LOC Cranioband Lite is designed and manufactured in the UK as part of our in-house orthotic service.
We’re happy to answer any questions you might have, with no commitment to proceed with treatment.
