At Banner Children’s, we understand that hearing your baby has craniosynostosis can be overwhelming. Our compassionate team of pediatric specialists will walk with you every step of the way - from diagnosis to treatment - creating a personalized care plan for your child’s unique needs.
Craniosynostosis is a birth defect that affects the shape of a baby’s skull. It occurs when the sutures (joints) between the bones in the skull close too early - before the brain has fully developed. This can affect skull shape and, in some cases, put pressure on the brain.
The cause of craniosynostosis isn’t always known. Some cases may be linked to genetics or environmental factors. Not all misshapen heads are caused by craniosynostosis - some can result from babies laying in the same position too often, which usually resolves with repositioning and time.
Craniosynostosis is classified based on which suture closes too soon. At Banner Children’s, our pediatric plastic surgeons and neurosurgeons work closely with you to understand your child’s condition and recommend the best treatment.
The most common type, sagittal synostosis happens when the sagittal suture (running from front to back across the top of the skull) fuses early. This causes a long and narrow head shape, often with a prominent forehead.
Coronal synostosis affects the sutures that run from each ear across the top of the skull. It can occur on one side (unicoronal) or both sides (bicoronal). This condition can cause the forehead to look uneven or the head to appear wide and short. It can also affect the face, and the eyes and nose may look crooked.
A rare type, lambdoid synostosis occurs when the lambdoid suture at the back of the skull fuses too early. This may result in a flat spot on one side of the head and bulging on the other side of the head. Lambdoid synostosis can be confused with positional plagiocephaly, which does not require surgery and is caused by a baby favoring one side while sleeping.
Also called trigonocephaly, metopic synostosis occurs when the metopic suture (running from the soft spot to the top of the nose) closes too early. It can cause a triangular forehead and, in more severe cases, may affect brain development. This type accounts for about 20-25% of craniosynostosis cases.
It’s common for newborns to have slightly uneven head shapes. However, if you notice a misshapen area that doesn’t improve or seems unusual, talk to your pediatrician.
During a physical exam, your provider may check for:
If craniosynostosis is suspected, imaging tests such as an X-ray or CT scan may be ordered to better assess your baby’s skull and confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment depends on the type and severity of the condition. Some cases are mild and don’t require surgery. In other cases, treatment may be needed to relieve pressure in the skull and allow for normal brain growth.
There are two main types of surgery to treat craniosynostosis:
Our pediatric neurosurgeons collaborate closely with craniofacial and plastic surgery specialists to ensure the best results for your child.
After surgery - especially endoscopic surgery - your child may benefit from helmet therapy. A custom-fit helmet helps gently shape the skull as it grows. Most babies wear the helmet for 23 hours a day over several months. It’s not painful and is designed to be comfortable and safe.
If your baby has a noticeably misshapen head or lacks a soft spot, don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference in your child’s health and development.
At Banner Children’s, we treat more than a condition - we care for your whole family. Our kid-focused experts are here to answer your questions, support your decisions and guide you through every step of your child’s care.
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