Craniosynostosis is a birth defect in which the bones in a baby’s skull join together too early.
This happens before the baby’s brain is fully formed.
As the baby’s brain grows, the skull can become more misshapen.
The spaces between a typical baby’s skull bones are filled with flexible material and called sutures.
These sutures allow the skull to grow as the baby’s brain grows.
Around two years of age, a child’s skull bones begin to join together because the sutures become bone.
When this occurs, the suture is said to “close.” In a baby with craniosynostosis, one or more of the sutures closes too early.
This can limit or slow the growth of the baby’s brain.
Repair usually involves a Craniofacial Surgeon and Neurosurgeon that work together.